reeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of confusion, shock, or disorientation, often following an unexpected event. Example: "After hearing the shocking news, I was left reeling and unsure of how to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Jean Touitou of APC on why unsexy, understated fashion feels fresh Two weeks later, and in London to open a new store in Soho, Touitou is still reeling from what happened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.29pm BST14:29 A first push from the peloton – and it's BMC who lead the charge, reeling the breakaway into within 1min 30sec as Côte de Greetland looms.

The Guardian - Sport

It was as if she herself had read Molly Bloom's soliloquy in Ulysses in a past life and was still reeling from the bawdiness of it.

The Guardian - Books

Already reeling from savage cuts to 1223 ABC Newcastle after the Coalition's $250m budget cut last year, Newcastle residents took the latest slight to their hometown boy badly – and expressed their outrage on social media on Friday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

The football world may still be reeling from the fall of its chief, its head, its guiding light in the dark night, as we all contemplate what life will be like without Sepp Blatter's steady hand at our tiller, but some things are constant.

The Guardian - Sport

Alessandro Petacchi, still reeling from that bee altercation, is also off the back, while Saxo-Tinkoff's Nick Roche is also fighting to stay in touch.

The Guardian - Sport

There are still a few around who remember those days when what happened at Westminster actually mattered, when the fate of Britain depended on a vote, and the prospect of a parliamentary defeat sent the pound plummeting and economies across the world reeling.

The Guardian

But he is less the bear with a sore head type than the verbal fencing champion, who leaves his opponents reeling before they've even realised they were on the receiving end of his rapier remarks.

The Guardian

Atlético centre back Miranda put the ball into his own net in the sixth minute, André Gomes finished superbly after a fine run a minute later and Nicolás Otamendi nodded in at a corner to leave the champions reeling.

The Guardian - Sport

And on the radio, Archers' listeners are still reeling from the demise of Nigel Pargetter, who fell to his death from the roof of his stately home.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chancellor started by reeling off reasons for a new economic plan – growth halved, borrowing up, and no more progress on the deficit until 2014 – and then offered up more of the same old failed economic policies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reeling" to vividly describe a state of being overwhelmed or disoriented, particularly after a sudden or unexpected event. It adds a sense of dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reeling" interchangeably with words that only capture a part of its meaning, such as "surprised" or "sad". "Reeling" conveys a specific sense of being off-balance, either physically or emotionally, and should be used when that disorientation is relevant to the context.

Linguistic Context

Reeling functions primarily as a verb, often in its present participle form, describing an ongoing state of shock, disorientation, or instability. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase this use, highlighting how entities or individuals are affected by unexpected or impactful events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "reeling" effectively portrays a state of shock, confusion, or instability following an impactful event. As highlighted by Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. It is crucial to distinguish "reeling" from similar terms like "surprised" or "sad", as it specifically emphasizes the disorientation aspect. When writing, use "reeling" to add vividness to descriptions of the aftermath of sudden events. Based on the examples, the most common usage involves describing an individual, group, or entity struggling to regain composure or stability in the face of unexpected developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reeling from the impact

Emphasizes the direct consequences of a forceful event.

stunned

Implies a temporary state of being overwhelmed and unable to react.

dazed

Suggests a state of mental confusion and disorientation.

in shock

Focuses specifically on the element of surprise and disbelief.

shaken

Emphasizes the emotional impact and disturbance caused by an event.

overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being inundated by events or emotions.

thrown off balance

Indicates a disruption of stability and equilibrium.

disoriented

Directly points to a loss of bearings or sense of direction, both literally and figuratively.

staggering

Implies a physical or metaphorical loss of balance.

in disarray

Focuses on the state of being disorganized and chaotic as a result of something.

FAQs

How can I use "reeling" in a sentence?

The word "reeling" is typically used to describe the state of being shocked or disoriented after an unexpected event. For example, "After hearing the news, she was "reeling" from the shock."

What can I say instead of "reeling"?

You can use alternatives like "stunned", "dazed", or "overwhelmed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "reeling from the shock"?

Yes, "reeling from the shock" is a common and correct usage. It emphasizes the immediate aftermath and disorientation caused by a shocking event. Other prepositions can also be used depending on the context.

What's the difference between "reeling" and "staggering"?

"Reeling" often implies mental or emotional disorientation, while "staggering" usually suggests a physical loss of balance, though it can be used metaphorically.