a formidable body of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable body of work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impressive or significant collection of creative or scholarly work produced by an individual or group. Example: "The artist's latest exhibition showcases a formidable body of work that spans over two decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He concluded: "Although Arden felt increasingly confined by the theater of his day, he left behind a formidable body of work, written in a surging poetic prose.

The New York Times

The Talmud is a formidable body of work: 63 volumes of rabbinical discourse and disputation that form Judaism's central scripture after the Torah.

The New York Times

In the last decade he has been building a formidable body of work, and he still has an impossible thirst to put himself at risk.

The New York Times - Arts

But, although Arden felt increasingly confined by the theatre of his day, he left behind a formidable body of work, written in a surging poetic prose.

The Guardian

But Nick Dear overcomes the difficulties in this probing, intelligent piece about Edward Thomas, who produced a formidable body of work between 1914 and his death at Arras in 1917.

The Guardian

You only have to look at the Iraq war, which quickly produced a formidable body of work ranging from a wickedly satirical trilogy by Justin Butcher to David Hare's historical Stuff Happens and Richard Norton-Taylor's verbatim drama, Justifying War, based on the Hutton inquiry.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When war was declared he joined the French army and was killed in battle at the age of 23, leaving a small but formidable body of work.

The Guardian - Arts

By the spring of 1801, he had amassed a formidable body of evidence pointing toward Jefferson's longstanding sexual relationship with Sally Hemings.

The New York Times - Books

That's a formidable body of potential evidence, but to be useable it needs audit and high-grade external appraisal.

The Guardian

Over the last 50 years, revisionist scholars have amassed a formidable body of substantial evidence, which runs in direct opposition to the traditional Holocaust narrative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord Hope said that there was "a formidable body of authority which should not be lightly disregarded" in favour of the immunity.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formidable body of work", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or field to which the work pertains. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable body of work" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is best reserved for formal or professional settings where its gravitas is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable body of work" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase describes a significant or impressive collection of work.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable body of work" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an impressive collection of someone's accomplishments. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness for formal contexts. While not overly common, it carries a tone of admiration and respect. When employing this phrase, consider the audience and ensure that the context warrants its formal nature. Alternatives like "an impressive collection of accomplishments" may be more suitable for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impressive collection of accomplishments

Focuses on the positive evaluation of the collection.

a significant portfolio of achievements

Highlights the importance and scope of accomplishments.

a considerable compilation of outputs

Emphasizes the substantial quantity of the produced outputs.

a substantial record of contributions

Stresses the impact and value of individual contributions.

an extensive inventory of creations

Highlights the breadth and variety of creative works.

a noteworthy accumulation of endeavors

Highlights the fact that a body of work grew over time.

a rich history of productions

Emphasizes the value of the historical background.

a powerful legacy of projects

Highlights the long term impact of a body of work.

a commanding suite of outputs

Highlights the excellence in a set of products.

a striking assembly of works

Highlights the visual or aesthetic impact of an amount of works.

FAQs

How can I use "a formidable body of work" in a sentence?

You can use "a formidable body of work" to describe an impressive collection of someone's creations or accomplishments, as in, "The artist's exhibition showcased "a formidable body of work" spanning decades."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable body of work"?

Alternatives include "an impressive collection of accomplishments", "a significant portfolio of achievements", or "a substantial record of contributions", depending on the context.

Is "a formidable body of work" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a formidable body of work" is generally more suitable for formal or professional writing due to its sophisticated and impressive tone. Consider using simpler phrases in informal contexts.

What makes a body of work "formidable"?

A body of work becomes "formidable" through a combination of factors, including its scope, quality, impact, and the dedication required to create it. It suggests that the work is impressive and commands respect.