a formidable candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is highly qualified or impressive in a competitive context, such as job applications or elections. Example: "With her extensive experience and impressive track record, she is undoubtedly a formidable candidate for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's a formidable candidate".

The New York Times

Johnson would be a formidable candidate.

The Guardian

He will be a formidable candidate.

The New York Times

"She will be a formidable candidate.

The New York Times

Mr Perry, however, might prove a formidable candidate.

The Economist

Virginia Republicans knew Kaine would be a formidable candidate.

The Washington Post

Still, Mr. Vacco could prove to be a formidable candidate.

The New York Times

That isn't to say he wouldn't be a formidable candidate.

The Washington Post

Ms. Krueger, 44, has proven to be a formidable candidate.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, Mr. Seabrook is considered a formidable candidate.

The New York Times

There are signs that Mr. Newsom would be a formidable candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable candidate" to convey respect for the person's abilities and potential impact. It suggests they are not to be underestimated.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable candidate" in overly casual or informal settings. It's a relatively formal expression and may sound out of place in relaxed conversations. Choose simpler alternatives like "strong contender" or "tough competitor" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable candidate" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" is an adjective modifying the noun "candidate". According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, describing a person's qualities in a competitive context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable candidate" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone with a strong chance of success in a competitive situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and follows standard grammar rules. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember to use it in contexts where you want to convey respect for someone's abilities and potential impact, but avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives include "strong contender" or "tough competitor". Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for describing individuals who are likely to be successful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong contender

Focuses on the competitive aspect, emphasizing the candidate's ability to compete effectively.

a tough competitor

Highlights the difficulty in defeating the candidate, emphasizing their resilience and skill.

an impressive applicant

Emphasizes the positive qualities and credentials of the candidate, making them stand out.

a leading prospect

Focuses on the candidate's potential for success and their position at the forefront of the competition.

a capable nominee

Highlights the candidate's skills and abilities, suggesting they are well-qualified for the role.

a serious possibility

Emphasizes the candidate is to be taken seriously as someone who might win.

a skilled individual

Focuses on a person's level of expertise in a concrete domain, without any specific reference to a competition for a position.

a major player

Emphasizes the candidate's influence and importance in a particular field.

a dangerous adversary

Highlights the potential threat the candidate poses to others, emphasizing their strength and skill.

an influential figure

Highlights the power of a candidate to exert soft power on a group of people, emphasizing their charisma.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable candidate" to describe someone who is highly capable and likely to succeed in a competitive situation. For example: "She is "a formidable candidate" for the position of CEO, given her extensive experience and leadership skills."

What's a less formal alternative to "a formidable candidate"?

Less formal alternatives include "strong contender", "tough competitor", or "serious threat". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a formidable candidate"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, business communications, and academic discussions, where you want to convey respect for someone's abilities and potential for success. For example, "The senator is "a formidable candidate" in the upcoming election".

Is "a formidable candidate" only used in political contexts?

No, while it's often used in political contexts, "a formidable candidate" can be used in any competitive situation, such as business, sports, or academia. It simply means someone is highly capable and likely to succeed. For example, "He is "a formidable candidate" for the scholarship due to his exceptional academic record".