staggering speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"staggering speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is going unusually fast or to describe an impressive level of speed, for example: "He ran with a staggering speed of 30 miles an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Combat forces soon poured in, approved and progressively enlarged with staggering speed.

The New York Times

The rise of solar energySOLAR energy currently provides only a quarter of a percent of the planet's electricity supply, but the industry is growing at staggering speed.

The Economist

He has already delivered one ball during the current World Cup at nearly 130 kilometers, or about 80 miles, per hour, a staggering speed for a spinner.

The New York Times - Sports

CRISPR/Cas9 gene drives, which force evolutionary changes through populations, are developing at a staggering speed and look set to revolutionise biotechnology.

The Guardian

They have witnessed from the inside the staggering speed in which the simulacra overtakes the real, the crude reductionism of their lives into grotesque caricatures..

The Guardian

Last year, a Forbes magazine survey found that for every dollar Stewart is paid, her films bring in an average of $55.83, making her the best-value actor around - a value which reflects both the staggering speed of her rise, and how many young women adore her.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The 245-pound, 5-foot-long prototype reached staggering speeds of up to 1.5 miles per second.

The New York Times - Magazine

First impressions: music quality is fine but not staggering, the streaming speed is ok, the tagging process is seamless and it's really cool to discover similar artists when you're listening to a song from your mobile phone.

TechCrunch

Yet it is still staggering to see the speed at which Bolton have unravelled.

The Guardian - Sport

"Watching the flaps work is quite an unusual sight," he concedes, "but the end result is staggering, given its cornering speeds".

BBC

The mortgages slid into default at a speed that was staggering even for that era.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the rate of growth, expansion, or progress, consider using "staggering speed" to emphasize the unexpectedly high or impressive rate at which something is happening. It adds impact and communicates a sense of awe or astonishment.

Common error

Avoid using "staggering speed" to describe everyday situations or minor increases in speed. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the speed is genuinely remarkable or unexpectedly high, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staggering speed" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "staggering" modifies "speed". It serves to emphasize the magnitude or impressiveness of the speed being described. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science & Research

15%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "staggering speed" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively describes an exceptionally high or impressive rate of movement or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it finds frequent use in news and media, science, and sports contexts to highlight noteworthy acceleration or rapid development. When employing this phrase, ensure that the described speed genuinely warrants the adjective "staggering" to avoid diluting its impact. For formal or scientific contexts, consider alternatives like "remarkable velocity" or "phenomenal rate" to maintain the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astonishing pace

Replaces "speed" with "pace", highlighting the rate at which something moves or progresses, while "astonishing" emphasizes surprise and wonder.

remarkable velocity

Uses "velocity" instead of "speed", lending a more technical or scientific feel, and "remarkable" to underscore the exceptional nature.

phenomenal rate

Substitutes "speed" with "rate", focusing on the measure of change over time, and "phenomenal" to denote something extraordinary.

extraordinary swiftness

Replaces "staggering speed" to emphasize the quickness and promptness of movement, using "extraordinary" to highlight the exceptional nature.

breathtaking pace

Uses "breathtaking" to describe the speed, suggesting it is so fast it causes excitement or astonishment.

incredible rapidity

Emphasizes the quickness of an event or action, using "rapidity" for a more formal tone.

astounding swiftness

Highlights the quickness and unexpected nature of the speed.

dramatic acceleration

Focuses on the rate of increase in speed, using "dramatic" to signify a sudden and noticeable change.

surprising quickness

Highlights that the speed was unexpected and fast.

amazing tempo

Suggests a fast or energetic rhythm or pace, particularly suitable in contexts like music or sports.

FAQs

How can I use "staggering speed" in a sentence?

You can use "staggering speed" to describe processes, objects, or individuals that move or progress with remarkable quickness. For example, "The company grew at a "staggering speed", doubling its revenue in just one year."

What can I say instead of "staggering speed"?

You can use alternatives like "astonishing pace", "remarkable velocity", or "phenomenal rate" depending on the context.

What does "staggering" really mean in "staggering speed"?

In the phrase "staggering speed", "staggering" emphasizes that the speed is so surprisingly high or impressive that it almost overwhelms or astonishes. It implies the speed is beyond what might be expected or easily comprehended.

Is "staggering speed" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "staggering speed" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to highlight an exceptionally rapid or impressive rate of change. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor; consider alternatives like "remarkable velocity" for highly technical or scientific contexts.