a formidable bunch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable bunch of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things that are impressive, powerful, or intimidating in some way. Example: "The team presented a formidable bunch of ideas that could revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a formidable bunch of people we're up against".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Seals are a formidable bunch who've undergone every form of vigorous training available to man except a course at acting school, but in their brief domestic scenes with their dedicated, long-suffering wives they do well enough.

The Guardian - Film

Fortunately, as "A Wild Perfection: The Selected Letters of James Wright" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $40) demonstrates, it's a formidable bunch.

The New York Times - Books

But the activists remain a formidable bunch.

The New York Times

He said: "One of the things I'll miss the most is the experience of working with the really formidable bunch of people that I've been working with over the last four years.

BBC

Compared with aluminum users, steel users are a more formidable bunch.

The New York Times

Two-year-olds are a pretty formidable bunch.

Huffington Post

When Elden's rebounding, then it's a formidable rebounding bunch.

Los Angeles Times

"A what?" "A bunch of poems".

The New Yorker

Hosch's time behind the scenes has secured her a formidable network, and a bunch of rusted-on admirers.

The Guardian

After six weeks of Stelios making really no impact at all, a bunch of Nigel's formidable Scouse female relatives appeared, nagged him for a while, rang a skip-hire firm and began chucking bag after bag of treasured garbage into the street.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formidable bunch of", ensure the context clearly establishes why the group is considered formidable. Provide specific qualities or achievements that justify this description.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable bunch of" when describing a group that doesn't genuinely possess impressive qualities or capabilities. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable bunch of" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable. It describes a group possessing impressive qualities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Film

12%

Books

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable bunch of" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize a group as powerful, skilled, or impressive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound and appropriate for neutral contexts, its use is relatively rare. Related phrases include "an impressive group of" or "a powerful collection of". When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides adequate justification for the 'formidable' descriptor to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impressive group of

Replaces 'formidable' with 'impressive', focusing on the positive qualities that evoke admiration.

a powerful collection of

Emphasizes the strength and influence of the group.

a dominant set of

Highlights the group's superiority and control.

a commanding array of

Suggests a group that is authoritative and respected.

a fearsome assembly of

Focuses on the group's ability to inspire fear or respect through their strength.

a striking selection of

Emphasizes the visual or noticeable impact of the group.

a distinguished body of

Highlights the group's high standing and reputation.

a remarkable cluster of

Focuses on the unusual or noteworthy nature of the group.

a potent mix of

Suggests a group whose combination of qualities is particularly effective or influential.

an intimidating set of

Highlights the group's capacity to cause intimidation or unease.

FAQs

How can I use "a formidable bunch of" in a sentence?

You can use "a formidable bunch of" to describe a group of people or things that are impressive, powerful, or intimidating. For example, "The opposing team was "a formidable bunch of" athletes."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable bunch of"?

Alternatives to "a formidable bunch of" include "an impressive group of", "a powerful collection of", or "a dominant set of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable" always positive when describing a group?

While "formidable" often implies respect or admiration for a group's strength, it can also carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting they are intimidating or difficult to overcome. The context determines whether the overall impression is positive or negative.

What makes a group "formidable"?

A group can be considered "formidable" due to various factors, such as their skills, experience, resources, or reputation. The key is that they possess qualities that make them seem powerful and capable.