staggered across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staggered across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is arranged or positioned in a way that is not uniform or regular, often implying a sense of unevenness or variation in placement. Example: "The chairs were staggered across the room, allowing everyone a clear view of the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Joppy wobbled to his feet but staggered across the ring.

The New York Times - Sports

Men and women staggered across the ruins, pulling bloodstained workers out of the tangle.

The New York Times

The switch was staggered across the country, as some stations switched before dawn.

The New York Times

These tickets have the M.T.A. logo staggered across the colored field.

The New York Times

They will arrive in one burst rather than being staggered across several months in the traditional manner.

The Guardian - Film

He staggered across the cement track and was pushed in the direction he was required to go.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The driver came staggering across.

The Guardian - Travel

With Julio not returning punches, Pacquiao quickly had his opponent staggering across the ring with another series of punches.

The New York Times - Sports

One imagined him staggering across the finish line, gasping for air like a trout just hauled onto a boat.

The New York Times - Sports

I've taught him to give me a high five, and when he does I stagger across the room to show him how strong he is.

The New Yorker

He was the punk choreographer who strapped dildos on his dancers and had Leigh Bowery staggering across the stage in 10in heels with a chainsaw.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "staggered across", ensure the subject is capable of movement or arrangement. For instance, it can describe a person walking unsteadily or a series of events planned at different times.

Common error

Avoid using "staggered across" to describe something that cannot move or be deliberately arranged. For example, it's incorrect to say "The cracks staggered across the wall" when "spread" or "extended" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Staggered across functions as a phrasal verb, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe an action of moving unsteadily or arranging something at irregular intervals. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. This is supported by examples such as "He staggered across the room" or "The voting hours are staggered across the country's different time zones".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "staggered across" is a versatile term used to describe both unsteady movement and irregular arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As demonstrated by numerous examples, it frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use it appropriately, ensuring that the subject is capable of the described action or arrangement, and be mindful of situations where alternatives like "spread unevenly across" might be more precise. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved unsteadily over

Focuses on the unsteady movement but uses a broader term than "staggered".

spread unevenly across

Emphasizes the irregular distribution over an area, moving away from the sense of unsteady movement.

distributed intermittently across

Focuses on the sporadic nature of the distribution, rather than the physical act of staggering.

advanced haltingly over

Emphasizes the halting or interrupted nature of the movement, rather than staggering specifically.

arranged alternately across

Highlights the alternating pattern but removes the implication of unsteady movement.

dispersed irregularly across

Stresses the scattered and non-uniform distribution, losing the sense of staggering.

progressed erratically over

Highlights the erratic nature of progression, losing the specific nuance of staggering.

spaced asymmetrically across

Focuses on the lack of symmetry in the spacing, not the staggering motion.

scattered haphazardly across

Emphasizes the randomness of the scattering, deviating from the staggering aspect.

alternated periodically across

Highlights the cyclical nature of alternation, removing the sense of physical instability.

FAQs

How can I use "staggered across" in a sentence?

You can use "staggered across" to describe someone moving unsteadily or something being arranged in an uneven manner. For example, "He "staggered across" the finish line" or "The release dates were "staggered across" several months".

What's a good alternative to "staggered across" when describing uneven spacing?

If you're describing uneven spacing, consider alternatives like "spread unevenly across" or "distributed intermittently across", which focus on the arrangement rather than the act of staggering.

When is it appropriate to use "staggered across"?

"Staggered across" is appropriate when describing movement that is unsteady or when items are placed or scheduled at irregular intervals. Make sure that the subject can perform the action of staggering or can be deliberately arranged.

What is the difference between "stumbled across" and "staggered across"?

"Stumbled across" typically implies an accidental encounter, whereas "staggered across" describes an unsteady movement or arrangement.