a formidable business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a business that is impressive, powerful, or capable in its field. Example: "With its innovative products and strong market presence, TechCorp has established itself as a formidable business in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The couple built a formidable business and media empire.

The New York Times

The company has built a formidable business by developing a large portfolio of patents for ways to improve spread-spectrum technology for civilian purposes.

The New York Times

The company has spent the last 25 years building a formidable business in the UK with almost 11 million pay-TV customers and over 5 million broadband subscribers.

The Guardian

Mr. Prahalad had established a reputation as a formidable business strategist when he started his work on poverty in 1995, according to the preface of "Bottom of the Pyramid".

The New York Times

"Asos is a formidable business and I have great respect for the team I have been working with: they are right at the cutting edge of young online fashion".

The Guardian - Business

As was the case for Koenigsegg, taking over Saab would mean a large increase in production as well as a formidable business challenge for Spyker, especially given G.M.'s inability to succeed in making Saab profitable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Dealing with the rich and powerful criminal gangs that run these businesses will be a formidable job, and also dangerous.

The Economist

Having left their Central Asian homeland to engage in the luxury trade along the Silk Road, this Iranian-speaking community used their formidable business skills to establish a vast trading network ranging from Korean kingdoms to the Byzantine Empire.

Yale University

With more than 1.6 billion active users who share a range of personal information through its service, Facebook has built a formidable advertising business that enables companies to drill down into granular detail when targeting the audience they want to reach.

TechCrunch

Well known throughout the community for his generous spirit and natural leadership abilities, Greg is currently pursuing an advance degree that will allow him to continue the formidable business and civic reputation established by his family.

Huffington Post

Mayweather will always be respected for his skill and longevity, even more for his formidable business acumen.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable business" to describe a company that has achieved significant success and possesses a strong competitive advantage. It suggests more than just profitability; it implies influence and resilience.

Common error

While "a formidable business" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in casual or informal conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "successful business" or "strong company" when addressing a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable business" functions as a noun phrase, where 'formidable' is an adjective modifying the noun 'business'. It is used to describe a company or organization that possesses significant strength, influence, and capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formidable business" is an adjective-noun phrase used to describe a company or organization possessing notable strength, influence, and capabilities. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct and widely acceptable, it is best suited for professional and news-related contexts. It is rarely used in academia and informal settings. Related phrases include "a powerful company" and "an impressive enterprise". Though less frequent than simpler alternatives, its use conveys that the business is not only successful but also commands respect and presents a significant challenge to competitors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful company

Replaces 'formidable' with 'powerful', focusing on the business's strength and influence.

an impressive enterprise

Uses 'impressive' to highlight the business's noteworthy qualities and replaces 'business' with the more formal 'enterprise'.

a strong organization

Emphasizes the robustness and well-built structure of the business.

a leading corporation

Highlights the business's position at the forefront of its industry.

a thriving venture

Focuses on the business's success and growth.

a dominant player

Highlights the business's control and influence in the market.

a successful firm

Uses 'successful' to indicate the business has achieved its goals and replaces 'business' with 'firm'.

a robust operation

Emphasizes the business's resilience and ability to withstand challenges.

a competitive force

Highlights the business's strength in the market.

a market leader

Emphasizes the business's top position within its market.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a company as "a formidable business"?

Calling a company "a formidable business" implies that it is not only successful but also possesses significant strength, influence, and competitive prowess in its industry. It suggests the company is a force to be reckoned with.

Are there alternatives to saying "a formidable business"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a powerful company", "an impressive enterprise", or "a leading corporation".

How formal is the phrase "a formidable business"?

The phrase "a formidable business" is considered relatively formal and is best suited for professional, business, or news-related contexts. It might sound out of place in casual conversation.

Is "a formidable business" the same as "a successful business"?

While both phrases denote positive attributes, "a formidable business" suggests a more significant level of strength and influence than simply "a successful business". "Formidable" implies the business is capable of overcoming challenges and maintaining a strong position.