Formidable opponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Formidable opponent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is a strong and challenging rival in a competition or conflict. Example: "The champion faced a formidable opponent in the final match, making the competition even more thrilling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What makes HIV such a formidable opponent?

Cornell University

Li said McHale was a formidable opponent.

The New York Times

Princeton was a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was a formidable opponent," she said.

The New York Times

But the old man will be a formidable opponent.

The Economist

Farokhmanesh knows Kansas will be a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

The English captain, Alastair Cook, is also a formidable opponent.

The New York Times

"That makes him a formidable opponent for Labor".

Independent

The New Mexico State Aggies were a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

Lee, however, was considered a much more formidable opponent.

The Guardian

He's quite a damaging character too – always a formidable opponent".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable opponent" to describe entities that possess a blend of skill, strategy, and strength, making them difficult to overcome. This phrase works well in both literal (sports, war) and figurative (business, politics) contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable opponent" in overly casual conversations. It is best suited for formal writing, news reporting, or professional discussions. In informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "tough competitor" or "strong rival".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "formidable opponent" is to act as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "opponent". Ludwig examples show it describing adversaries in sports, politics, and even abstract concepts like HIV.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable opponent" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a challenging and strong adversary. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's most often found in News & Media, academic writing, and sports reporting. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it aligns with the formality of the context, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "tough adversary" or "strong contender" may be more appropriate for informal conversations. Overall, "formidable opponent" is a powerful way to convey the strength and difficulty posed by an adversary in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tough adversary

Replaces "formidable" with "tough", emphasizing the difficulty in overcoming the opponent.

Strong contender

Focuses on the opponent's strength and ability to compete.

Daunting rival

Highlights the intimidating aspect of the opponent.

Challenging adversary

Emphasizes the difficulty the opponent presents.

Redoubtable foe

Uses a more formal term, "redoubtable", to describe a fearsome opponent.

Powerful competitor

Highlights the strength and competitive nature of the opponent.

Worthy adversary

Indicates that the opponent is deserving of respect and presents a good challenge.

Dangerous enemy

Focuses on the potential harm the opponent can inflict.

Tough customer

An informal way of saying that someone is difficult to deal with or defeat.

Considerable threat

Focuses on the degree of danger or risk that the opponent represents.

FAQs

How can I use "formidable opponent" in a sentence?

You can use "formidable opponent" to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge, like "The team knew they faced a "formidable opponent" in the championship game".

What are some alternatives to "formidable opponent"?

Alternatives include "tough adversary", "strong contender", or "daunting rival" depending on the specific context.

Is "formidable opponent" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "formidable opponent" is well-suited for formal writing due to its precise and descriptive nature. It conveys a sense of respect and challenge.

What makes an opponent "formidable"?

A "formidable opponent" typically possesses a combination of skill, experience, strategic thinking, and often, a strong reputation. These qualities make them challenging to defeat.