a formidable alliance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a formidable alliance" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a group of people who have come together to accomplish a goal, such as "The protesters formed a formidable alliance to demand change in the city's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Together they form a formidable alliance, united only in their impotent despair about the cost of things.

Independent

But this one further small step would make a big difference, and a formidable alliance of peers, across parties, will commend it to Lords on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Opinion

The protesters are a minority that cannot win through elections, but they comprise a formidable alliance of opposition leaders, royalists, and businessmen who have set their sights on ousting the government.

Independent

Together, the moral and ethical influence of the worlds religions, the resources of the worlds governments, the influence of UN agencies in creating international standards of human rights, and the people power of civil society can form a formidable alliance for implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child and helping to build a world that is truly fit for every child.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Institutional investors, meanwhile, particularly those overseeing public funds, began to look on the plaintiffs' bar much more favorably than Congress, creating a formidable new alliance.

The New York Times

President Boris Yeltsin now faces a formidable new alliance of the country's most popular politician, Yevgeny Primakov, a former prime minister, and its most powerful regional leaders, notably Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow.

The Economist

Second, a new spring offensive by the Taliban in Afghanistan, fueled by a formidable Taliban/Al Qaeda alliance, may further undermine the shaky hold that Afghan's president, Hamid Karzai has on the sourthern part of his country.

Huffington Post

A long-lost trove of letters written by and to Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, has resurfaced, highlighting the tensions between the members of two English laboratories as they vied with each other and in alliance against a formidable American rival, the great chemist Linus Pauling.

The New York Times - Science

CNN has come to dominate the stage, but a formidable rival could emerge from the alliance between ABC ans the BBC.

The New Yorker

Nato, a military alliance, has been a given a formidable task – preventing Afghanistan from re-emerging as a terrorist den – whose solutions are primarily non-military.

The Guardian - Opinion

His position was further strengthened by an alliance with Turlough Luineach O'Neill and by a formidable immigration of followers from the Scottish islands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an alliance, consider the specific qualities you want to emphasize. Using "a formidable alliance" is effective when you wish to highlight the power and potential impact of the union.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable alliance" if the group's actual influence or achievements don't match the implied strength. Ensure the alliance is genuinely impactful, not just theoretically strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable alliance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly and effectively describes a union possessing significant strength. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in news and formal contexts to denote influential partnerships.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable alliance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing a union or partnership known for its significant strength and influence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides examples from reputable news sources, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the potential impact and power of a combined entity. Alternatives include "a powerful coalition" or "a strong partnership". However, be mindful not to overstate the alliance's actual impact and ensure the group's influence aligns with the term's implied strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful coalition

Emphasizes the collective strength and influence of the group.

a strong partnership

Highlights the collaborative aspect and the robustness of the relationship.

an imposing union

Focuses on the impressive nature of the combined entity.

a mighty coalition

Uses "mighty" to convey the significant power and impact of the alliance.

an unbreakable bond

Stresses the resilience and enduring quality of the connection.

a united front

Highlights the solidarity and shared purpose of the group.

a robust coalition

Emphasizes the structural integrity and resilience of the alliance.

an indomitable force

Conveys the idea of an unstoppable and unyielding entity.

a strategic partnership

Highlights the planned and purposeful nature of the alliance.

a cohesive group

Focuses on the unity and harmony within the collective.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a formidable alliance" in a sentence?

Use "a formidable alliance" to describe a group or coalition that possesses significant power, strength, or influence due to their combined resources or skills. For example: "The protesters formed "a formidable alliance" to demand changes in the city's policies."

What are some alternatives to using "a formidable alliance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a powerful coalition", "a strong partnership", or "a united front" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a formidable alliance"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the strength and potential impact of a group or coalition. Ensure that the group's combined resources or skills justify the use of the term. Don't use it if the alliance is weak or ineffective.

Is there a difference between "a powerful alliance" and "a formidable alliance"?

While both phrases convey strength, "a formidable alliance" suggests a more intimidating or impressive level of power. "Powerful" is a more general term, while "formidable" implies that the alliance is likely to be challenging or difficult to overcome.