a formidable challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a formidable challenge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or daunting task or obstacle. Example: "Finishing the marathon in under 3 hours was a formidable challenge for even the most experienced runners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it faces a formidable challenge.

The Economist

This research presents a formidable challenge.

The New Yorker

"It's a formidable challenge to preserve".

The New Yorker

Yet gene identification remains a formidable challenge.

Nature

Still, that can be a formidable challenge.

The New York Times

Atlético should present a formidable challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

But crafting great science journalism is a formidable challenge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That is likely to be a formidable challenge.

The New York Times - Science

This presents a formidable challenge for urban planners and managers.

Habitat International

The new leaders at the ministry face a formidable challenge.

The New York Times

Rational control of self-assembly remains a formidable challenge.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable challenge" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and demanding nature of a task. It conveys a sense of respect for the undertaking and acknowledges the effort required.

Common error

While "a formidable challenge" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tough task" or "big job" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable challenge" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI validates this usage. It describes something difficult and demanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable challenge" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a difficult or daunting task. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's important to consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Related phrases include "a daunting task" and "a significant hurdle". When employing this phrase, aim to emphasize the difficulty while maintaining an appropriate level of formality for your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daunting task

Replaces "challenge" with "task" and "formidable" with "daunting", emphasizing the intimidating nature of the undertaking.

a significant hurdle

Substitutes "challenge" with "hurdle", highlighting the obstacle aspect, and "formidable" with "significant", underscoring its importance.

a major obstacle

Similar to "a significant hurdle", but uses "obstacle" to directly convey the sense of something blocking progress.

a tough assignment

Replaces "challenge" with "assignment", suggesting a task to be completed, and "formidable" with "tough", indicating difficulty.

an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression indicating a difficult and protracted struggle.

a Herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense effort required, referencing the labors of Hercules.

a complex undertaking

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature of the task, rather than its difficulty.

a substantial endeavor

Highlights the scale and importance of the undertaking, using more formal language.

a rigorous test

Presents the challenge as a test of strength, skill, or resilience.

a steep learning curve

Specifically refers to the difficulty in acquiring new knowledge or skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable challenge" to describe any situation that presents a significant difficulty or obstacle. For example, "Rebuilding the economy after the recession is "a formidable challenge"."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable challenge"?

Alternatives include "a daunting task", "a significant hurdle", or "an uphill battle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable challenge" formal or informal?

"Formidable challenge" is generally considered suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but it can sound slightly overstated in very informal situations. Consider using simpler alternatives in casual conversation.

What makes a challenge "formidable"?

A "formidable" challenge is one that is difficult to overcome due to its size, complexity, or the resources required. It often implies that significant effort and skill will be needed to succeed.