a force to contend with

USAGE SUMMARY

"a force to contend with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a powerful or influential entity that must be reckoned with. Example: "China has become a force to contend with in the global economy, with its rapid growth and vast manufacturing capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

They could become a force to contend with".

The New York Times - Tech

In the meantime, she will be a force to contend with.

The New York Times

As played by the exquisite Guenia Lemos, Helen is nevertheless a force to contend with.

The New York Times

Suggesting that her talent made her a force to contend with, he added, "You should hang onto your hat".

The New York Times

"I wanted to go out when the network still saw us as a viable show and a force to contend with.

Independent

Ms. Ruttenberg's latest efforts make her a force to contend with as a narrator and symbolist, a form maker and colorist.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Sony soon had a new force to contend with: an Anonymous splinter group called Lulz Security, commonly known as LulzSec.

The New Yorker

"We're being recognized as a collective force to contend with," Mr. Mele said, "and there seems to be a legitimate awareness that the environment is important". He said representatives of the consortium had contacted his organization two months ago to present their plans.

The New York Times

And a political force to contend with.

The New York Times

So why is Ukip suddenly becoming a political force to contend with?

The Guardian

The surprise second-place showing by Senator John Edwards of North Carolina reflected similar judgments about how he would stand against Mr. Bush, and makes him a fresh force to contend with, especially in South Carolina, which votes two weeks from Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a force to contend with" to describe entities that possess substantial power or influence, requiring careful consideration or strategic planning when interacting with them.

Common error

Avoid using "a force to contend with" in extremely casual settings; it's generally more appropriate for formal or semi-formal contexts where serious impact or influence is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a force to contend with" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or appositive to describe a person, group, or entity. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and commonly used, appearing in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a force to contend with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something powerful and influential that requires serious consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples in the search results, it's most frequently found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts. While it's a versatile phrase, it's best suited for neutral to professional settings, avoiding overly casual conversations. Related phrases include "a force to be reckoned with" and "a major player", although nuanced differences exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a force to be reckoned with

Similar idiom with slightly stronger emphasis on potential conflict or opposition.

a major player

Focuses on prominence and influence within a specific field or area.

a significant influence

Highlights the impact and sway someone or something holds.

a powerful entity

Emphasizes the strength and capacity to exert control or influence.

a dominating presence

Stresses the overwhelming impact and control exerted.

a rising power

Suggests increasing influence and potential to become more dominant.

a key figure

Highlights importance and centrality to a particular situation or field.

an important factor

Emphasizes the significance of something in affecting an outcome.

a formidable opponent

Specifically refers to someone or something challenging in a competitive context.

a leading authority

Focuses on expertise and recognized knowledge in a specific area.

FAQs

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

This phrase is typically used to describe someone or something powerful that must be taken seriously. For example, "The new company has quickly become "a force to contend with" in the tech industry".

What does it mean to be "a force to contend with"?

It means to be someone or something that is powerful, influential, and cannot be easily ignored or dismissed. They are important and must be considered.

Is "a force to be reckoned with" the same as "a force to contend with"?

They are very similar. "A force to be reckoned with" often implies a more aggressive or confrontational aspect, while "a force to contend with" can be more neutral.

What are some alternatives to saying "a force to contend with"?

Consider using phrases like "a major player", "a significant influence", or "a powerful entity" depending on the specific context.