a force to be reckoned with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a force to be reckoned with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you are trying to describe an individual or a group as powerful or influential. For example: "The mayor has become a force to be reckoned with in local politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a force to be reckoned with.

Independent

That's a force to be reckoned with.

The Washington Post

Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Harvard University

Plus, Facebook is still a force to be reckoned with.

The New York Times - Tech

Clearly, this is a force to be reckoned with.

The New York Times

However, Hamas remains, stubbornly, a force to be reckoned with.

The Economist

And so we were a force to be reckoned with.

The New Yorker

Individually, each is a force to be reckoned with.

The New York Times

In short, Atwood is a force to be reckoned with.

The Guardian - Books

"We were a force to be reckoned with," she said.

The New York Times

It was a force to be reckoned with," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a force to be reckoned with" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has significant power, influence, or ability that should not be underestimated. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being described and why they are considered formidable.

Common error

Avoid using "a force to be reckoned with" lightly or in trivial situations. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so reserve it for instances where the power or influence is genuinely substantial and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a force to be reckoned with" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or appositive to describe someone or something possessing considerable power or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a force to be reckoned with" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe entities possessing significant power and influence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted in English writing and speech. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, the phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure its application aligns with situations genuinely meriting such emphasis. Alternatives include "a powerful entity" or "an influential force", depending on the nuances you wish to convey. The prevalence of examples and the expert rating underscore the phrase's validity and utility in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an influential force

Directly states the capacity to affect events or people.

a formidable opponent

Specifically refers to someone who is challenging and difficult to defeat.

a major player

Focuses on the importance and influence within a specific field or context.

a significant power

Emphasizes the considerable strength and authority possessed.

a dominant influence

Highlights the controlling or prevailing effect someone or something has.

a powerful entity

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more straightforward description of power.

a commanding presence

Stresses the impressive and authoritative nature of someone's demeanor or impact.

a potent factor

Highlights the effectiveness and impact of something in a particular situation.

a leading figure

Indicates someone who is at the forefront and has a lot of sway.

someone to be feared

Emphasizes the respect and caution that someone inspires, often due to their strength or capability.

FAQs

How can I use "a force to be reckoned with" in a sentence?

Use "a force to be reckoned with" to describe someone or something powerful and influential. For example, "The new CEO quickly became "a force to be reckoned with" in the industry".

What are some alternatives to "a force to be reckoned with"?

Alternatives include "a powerful entity", "a major player", or "an influential force" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a force to be reckoned with" in formal writing?

Yes, "a force to be reckoned with" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a force to be reckoned with"?

It means that the person or thing is powerful, influential, and should not be underestimated. They possess qualities or capabilities that make them formidable.