a formidable amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or impressive quantity of something, often in a context where the amount is significant or noteworthy. Example: "The project required a formidable amount of resources to complete successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Already, they say, Greece has been forgiven a formidable amount of its international debt.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is understandable; Upworthy's distinct style has generated a formidable amount of web traffic (maybe).

The Guardian

"All I know is that Lance as a cyclist had a formidable amount of strength, intelligence and a strong head," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Getting to Sydney Australia's largest city is the main gateway for British visitors and there is a formidable amount of competition.

Independent

BioPort has been making anthrax vaccine since May 2000 and now has a "formidable amount," said a company spokeswoman, Kelly Rossmalthoughney, although she declined to be specific.

The New York Times

But the salary, £557,000 per season, is a formidable amount of money that raises the bar worldwide on the value of the best rugby players around the globe.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The present debate seems to have brought to light the formidable amount of middle-aged resentment harboured against the young.

The New Yorker

Last week, prosecutor John Farmer told the jury the alleged victim had been at a wedding, had drunk "formidable" amounts of alcohol and "was in no fit state one way or another to consent".

BBC

He had left a wedding party after drinking "formidable" amounts of alcohol and was seen on CCTV being led to Christ's Pieces by the defendants.

BBC

The victim had just left a wedding party after drinking "formidable" amounts of alcohol and was captured on CCTV being led to the park.

BBC

The victim had left a wedding party after drinking "formidable" amounts of alcohol and was seen on CCTV being led to Christ's Pieces by the defendants.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable amount" when you want to emphasize not only the size of something but also its potential impact or impressiveness. For example, "The task required "a formidable amount" of planning and resources."

Common error

While "formidable" adds emphasis, avoid using "a formidable amount" in very casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "a large amount" would be more appropriate. Always tailor your language to your audience and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable amount" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a significant quantity that is also impressive or potentially challenging. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The word "formidable" adds emphasis to the quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a large quantity that is also impressive or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While appropriate for news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it should be used judiciously in more informal settings. The phrase effectively conveys the size and significance of the described quantity, often implying that it requires considerable effort or resources. Alternatives include "a substantial quantity" and "a considerable quantity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial quantity

Replaces "formidable amount" with synonyms that emphasize the largeness of the quantity.

a considerable quantity

Similar to "substantial quantity" but emphasizes the significance of the quantity.

an impressive quantity

Highlights that the amount is noteworthy or admirable.

a significant quantity

Focuses on the importance of the quantity rather than just its size.

a tremendous quantity

Emphasizes the largeness of the quantity with a stronger adjective.

a vast quantity

Highlights the immensity of the quantity.

a great deal

A more informal way to express a large quantity.

a profusion of

Implies an abundant and often excessive quantity.

a large volume

Suitable when referring to things that can be measured by volume.

a mountain of

Suggests a very large and overwhelming quantity, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable amount" to describe a large quantity of something that is also impressive or challenging. For example, "The project required "a formidable amount" of research."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable amount"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial quantity", "a considerable quantity", or "a significant quantity" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a formidable amount" or "a large amount"?

"A formidable amount" and "a large amount" are similar, but "a formidable amount" suggests something is not only large but also impressive or potentially challenging. Use "a large amount" when you simply want to indicate quantity.

Can "a formidable amount" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a formidable amount" can be used to describe abstract concepts like effort, time, or knowledge. For example, "Completing the task required "a formidable amount" of patience and dedication."