stagger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stagger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a movement that is unsteady or to indicate a schedule that is spaced out over time. Example: "After the long hike, I began to stagger as I made my way back to the campsite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Watching fellow competitors stagger around camp like zombies in the mornings – tired, sore and nursing crocked knees, blistered feet or chafing in unmentionable places – was comic at times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Maybe they're vultures," I joke as we stagger on under the burning sun – at one point it does reach 34C.

The Guardian - Travel

A short stagger away there's a great pub called the White Eagle.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm washed up onstage and, in a blind stagger, I hug Vincent and then Holman.

The Guardian - Music

Cameron said he would not accept a compromise formula produced in Brussels that would stagger UK repayments beyond the initial deadline of 1 December.

The Guardian

The treatment took hours, Rosemary drove her friend home, stayed late to look after her, went home, studied a map, realised she had penetrated the zone a weeny bit, but was too knackered to stagger out again and pay the charge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet they stagger on | Richard Ackland As was Carmody's sacking of Byrne, who had been acting on behalf of trial division judges in his dealings with the chief justice.

The Guardian

The perfect combination of drinking and driving might sound dodgy, but if you stagger your trip down Mexico's 760-mile peninsula, you can indulge in some of Latin America's least known varietals and, between glasses, go fishing and diving, feast on incredible seafood, explore the historic towns of La Paz and Loreto and - if you go between December and April - slip in a bit of whalewatching.

The Guardian - Travel

Friends helped him stagger into a journalist's car.

The Guardian

After a hard day's haggling in the souks, it's just a short stagger back to the Bamboo's shady courtyard, where you can sip a mint tea or take a dip in the small pool.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's an outlet for me to get out since my husband died," said Drobnjak, who recalled the glory days of Otley's pub scene, when there were at least 38 boozers to stagger between.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical movement, use "stagger" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or unsteady, rather than simply walking. For example, "He staggered under the weight of the boxes."

Common error

Avoid using "stagger" when "walk" or "amble" would be more appropriate. "Stagger" implies a lack of control or stability, not just casual movement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stagger" is as a verb, used to describe unsteady movement or to cause someone to feel shocked or surprised. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is usable and correct, fitting seamlessly into diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Music

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "stagger" is a versatile verb used to describe unsteady movement, a shocking experience, or the act of arranging items alternately. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, as well as in Travel and Lifestyle contexts, it carries a neutral register. When using "stagger", ensure it accurately reflects the intended sense of instability or surprise, differentiating it from simpler terms like "walk". Consider alternatives like "totter", "reel", or "astonish" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totter

Implies a more pronounced instability, almost to the point of falling.

reel

Suggests a circular or spinning motion, often from dizziness or impact.

lurch

Conveys a sudden, uncontrolled movement to one side.

falter

Indicates a hesitation or loss of strength, either physically or metaphorically.

waver

Highlights uncertainty or indecision, similar to staggering in confidence.

alternate

Focuses on the arrangement of items in a sequence, each placed in turn.

offset

Emphasizes a slight displacement or shift from a regular position.

arrange alternately

Specifically describes the act of placing objects in an alternating pattern.

shake

Often implies a loss of conviction or confidence.

astonish

Focuses on causing surprise or disbelief, a metaphorical form of staggering.

FAQs

How can I use "stagger" in a sentence?

You can use "stagger" to describe unsteady movement, as in "After the accident, he began to "stagger" across the room". It can also mean to shock or surprise, such as "The news will "stagger" even his closest allies".

What words are similar to "stagger"?

Similar words include "totter", "reel", "lurch" when describing movement and "astonish", "amaze" when describing shock or disbelief.

What is the difference between "stagger" and "falter"?

"Stagger" implies an unsteady movement or shock, while "falter" suggests hesitation or a weakening of resolve. A person might "stagger" after being hit, but "falter" when facing a difficult decision.

Is it correct to say "stagger on"?

Yes, "stagger on" is a phrasal verb meaning to continue moving or progressing with difficulty. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the company managed to "stagger on"".