he staggered

USAGE SUMMARY

"he staggered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe when someone is unsteady on their feet or swaying back and forth. Example: He staggered down the street, his drunkenness evident in every unsteady step he took.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He staggered.

The New York Times - Sports

He staggered backward.

The New Yorker

He staggered drunkenly.

The New Yorker

He staggered off the bed.

The New York Times - Magazine

He staggered on.

The Guardian - Books

Eventually, he staggered inside.

The New York Times - Magazine

He staggered forward, guided by other Marines.

The New York Times

He staggered toward the front window.

The New Yorker

He staggered away, to shouted threats.

The New York Times - Arts

He staggered backward, he said.

The New York Times

He staggered and collapsed against the bench.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he staggered" to vividly depict a character's physical or emotional instability. It's a strong action verb that conveys a sense of vulnerability or weakness.

Common error

Avoid using "he staggered" in passive constructions. Instead of "he was staggered by the news", use "the news staggered him". Active voice makes the writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he staggered" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of moving unsteadily, often implying a loss of balance or control. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

The New Yorker

13%

The Guardian

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedia

1%

Wiki

1%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he staggered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys unsteady movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its primary function is descriptive, adding detail and emotional impact to narratives. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's most commonly found in news media and literary contexts, emphasizing its role in storytelling and reporting. The provided examples from Ludwig illustrate the diverse ways this phrase can be employed to create a vivid image of a character's physical and emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he stumbled

Implies a slight loss of balance, often due to an obstruction or uneven ground. Less severe than staggering.

he faltered

Suggests a temporary loss of momentum or strength, either physically or metaphorically.

he reeled

Implies a strong feeling of disorientation or shock, causing unsteady movement.

he swayed

Indicates a gentle, rhythmic movement from side to side, often due to weakness or intoxication.

he tottered

Suggests a precarious state of balance, often associated with old age or infirmity.

he lurched

Implies a sudden, uncontrolled movement, often forward.

he wobbled

Describes an unsteady, shaking movement.

he teetered

Suggests being on the verge of falling, with a back-and-forth movement.

he almost fell

Emphasizes the near loss of balance without explicitly stating the type of unsteady movement.

he lost his footing

Highlights the reason behind the unsteady movement: a failure to maintain a firm grip on the ground.

FAQs

What does "he staggered" mean?

The phrase "he staggered" describes someone who is unsteady on their feet, often due to being drunk, injured, or ill. It implies a lack of balance and control.

What can I say instead of "he staggered"?

You can use alternatives like "he stumbled", "he reeled", or "he faltered", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How is "he staggered" different from "he walked"?

"He walked" simply describes the act of moving on foot. "He staggered" implies an unsteady or uncontrolled gait, suggesting a problem with balance or coordination. "He walked" is a neutral statement, while "he staggered" conveys a sense of difficulty or weakness.

Is it correct to say "he was staggering" instead of "he staggered"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "He staggered" describes a completed action in the past, while "he was staggering" describes an ongoing action in the past, emphasizing the duration of the unsteady movement.