a formidable challenge to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable challenge to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a significant difficulty or obstacle that someone or something must face or overcome. Example: "The new regulations present a formidable challenge to small businesses trying to comply with the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a formidable challenge to preserve".

The New Yorker

The human conceptual repertoire poses a formidable challenge to the cognitive sciences.

Harvard University

This delicate balance makes each play a formidable challenge to perform.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The treatment of DN has posed a formidable challenge to the scientific community.

Drug Discovery Today

It remains a formidable challenge to develop supercapacitors having both high stretchability and electrochemical performance.

Materials & Design

Non-participation in landscape planning presents a formidable challenge to sustainable development.

Landscape and Urban Planning

And they can be a formidable challenge to a loving heart.

The New York Times

He followed with a formidable challenge to President Ford in 1976.

The New York Times

Democrats warned that it would remain a formidable challenge to keep their ranks together.

The New York Times

Direct selective conversion of methane to C2-hydrocarbons, methanol or aromatics represents a formidable challenge to catalysis.

Catalysis Today

Several biological barriers preclude adequate delivery of drugs to tumors, and remain a formidable challenge to overcome in chemotherapy.

Molecular Oncology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formidable challenge to", ensure that the subject facing the challenge is clearly identified. This provides context and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable challenge to" when a simpler or less intense phrase would suffice. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable challenge to" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant obstacle or difficulty. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to highlight the intensity of the challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formidable challenge to" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies a substantial difficulty or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it serves to emphasize the severity and complexity of a challenge. Alternatives include "a significant hurdle for" and "a major obstacle to", offering nuanced ways to convey the same core meaning. When employing this phrase, clarity in identifying the subject facing the challenge is crucial. The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage underscore its importance in formal communication. While generally appropriate, avoid overuse to maintain impact and prevent melodrama.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant hurdle for

Replaces "challenge" with "hurdle", implying a specific obstacle that needs to be overcome.

a major obstacle to

Substitutes "formidable challenge" with "major obstacle", emphasizing the obstructive nature.

a tough test for

Replaces "formidable challenge" with "tough test", highlighting the demanding aspect.

a considerable undertaking for

Replaces "challenge" with "undertaking", focusing on the effort required.

a demanding task for

Substitutes "challenge" with "task", emphasizing the work involved and adding the adjective "demanding" to convey difficulty.

a serious impediment to

Replaces "challenge" with "impediment", highlighting the hindering aspect.

a difficult endeavor for

Replaces "challenge" with "endeavor", focusing on the attempt to achieve something despite difficulty.

a substantial threat to

Shifts the focus from a challenge to a potential danger or harm.

a major concern for

Downplays the difficulty, focusing instead on the worry or anxiety caused.

a predicament for

Highlights the problematic situation or dilemma created by the challenge.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable challenge to" to describe a situation or task that presents a significant difficulty or obstacle. For example, "Climate change is "a formidable challenge to" global stability."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable challenge to"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant hurdle for", "a major obstacle to", or "a tough test for" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a formidable challenge to" in formal writing?

Yes, "a formidable challenge to" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional contexts where precise and impactful language is valued.

What makes "a formidable challenge" different from a regular challenge?

The word "formidable" emphasizes the significant difficulty and potential for being overwhelming. A regular challenge may be difficult, but a "formidable challenge" suggests a greater level of difficulty and complexity.