it was staggering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was staggering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is overwhelmingly impressive or shocking, often in a positive or negative context. Example: "The amount of support we received for the charity event was staggering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Or more precisely, Japan circa 1990, just as it was staggering into its Lost Decade.

The New York Times

It was staggering.

The New Yorker

And it was staggering.

The New York Times

On this day, it was staggering.

The New York Times - Sports

Though a swing to the Conservatives was expected the size of it was staggering.

The New Yorker

Even in the context of their ridiculous campaign, it was staggering.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Christian Aid said that while it welcomed the ombudsman's ruling, it was staggered by the refusal of both the bank and Glencore to address the allegations directly.

The Guardian

Built of dark oak, the Vasa is 226 feet long and 172 feet high at its tallest point, and at first sight it is staggering.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's staggering.

The New York Times - Food

It's frightening, it's staggering.

The New York Times

The cruelty of it is staggering.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was staggering" to convey a sense of overwhelming surprise or disbelief, whether positive or negative. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused this feeling.

Common error

While "it was staggering" is generally acceptable, it can sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "it was astonishing" or "it was remarkable" for a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was staggering" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a subjective reaction to a situation or event. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it communicates the speaker's or writer's sense of astonishment or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Lifestyle

12.5%

Less common in

Sports

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was staggering" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something overwhelmingly impressive or shocking, either positively or negatively. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express astonishment or disbelief. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral register, suitable for many but potentially less so for highly formal writing contexts. Be mindful of the subtle nuances of its related phrases when choosing the best way to express strong emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was astonishing

Emphasizes surprise and amazement, with a slightly more formal tone.

it was astounding

Similar to 'astonishing' but may suggest a greater degree of wonder or disbelief.

it was breathtaking

Highlights the impressive or awe-inspiring quality of something.

it was incredible

Focuses on the difficulty of believing something due to its extraordinary nature.

it was unbelievable

Stresses the implausibility of something, suggesting it's hard to accept as true.

it was remarkable

Highlights the noteworthy or exceptional nature of something.

it was shocking

Indicates surprise often combined with dismay or disapproval.

it was impressive

Focuses on the admirable or excellent quality of something.

it was mind-blowing

Informal and emphasizes the overwhelming or transformative impact.

it was unexpected

Simply suggests that something was not anticipated.

FAQs

What does "it was staggering" mean?

The phrase "it was staggering" means something was overwhelmingly surprising, impressive, or shocking. It conveys a sense of astonishment or disbelief.

What can I say instead of "it was staggering"?

You can use alternatives like "it was astonishing", "it was breathtaking", or "it was remarkable" depending on the context.

How to use "it was staggering" in a sentence?

Use "it was staggering" to describe an event, achievement, or situation that evoked a strong feeling of surprise or disbelief. For example, "The amount of donations we received was staggering."

Is "it was staggering" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was staggering" falls somewhere in the middle. It's generally acceptable in most contexts, but for very formal writing, consider using more elevated alternatives like "it was astonishing" or "it was remarkable".