a formidable choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an option or decision that is impressive, powerful, or difficult to make due to its significance. Example: "Choosing between the two candidates was a formidable choice, as both brought exceptional skills to the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Leaders of both parties considered Lodge a formidable choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To many on the left, Biden would be a formidable choice to face Donald Trump if the new president-elect runs for a second term.

The Guardian

The title role in Offenbach's "Contes d'Hoffmann" is a formidable choice of repertory for a young tenor making his Metropolitan Opera debut.

The New York Times - Arts

For the Reagan administration, it was Mr. Conable's legislative skill on the domestic front that made him a formidable choice for the job.

The New York Times

Longtime Burbank Water and Power board member Bob Olson said Davis is a "formidable choice" for city manager.

Los Angeles Times

His replacement at Elm, Luke Venner, is a formidable choice, with his own style but one that has always characterized the restaurant's kitchen, sharply focused on the seasons and the provender available, particularly if it's from New England land and waters, with purveyors like Millstone Farms in Wilton and Smith's Acres in Niantic, CT, listed on the menu.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Vesper actually has a few formidable choices (including a take on the MPLS style Jucy Lucy) but you're going to want to stick with the cheeseburger, with the salt and fat cut perfectly by the homemade pickles.

Huffington Post

To believe, as Howard Schultz does, that "a formidable third choice for president also has a chance to succeed for the first time since George Washington," one also has to believe that the structure of American politics has suddenly changed, with a large and distinct constituency of voters just waiting to be tapped by an enterprising candidate.

The New York Times

The mantra is that United will be "difficult to beat" and they retain a formidable first-choice defence, not least in the centre, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

The Guardian - Sport

More potent even than Tatar's annotations are her choices: a formidable scholar of the unschooled, she rummages through all possible tellings and retellings to finally choose the version of a familiar story that strikes her as in one way or another definitive.

The New Yorker

As an astronomer, a biologist and a botanist, she had a formidable intellect, and the perfect choice for improving local schools.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable choice" to describe someone or something that is not only a viable option, but also presents impressive qualities or capabilities. For example, "She is a formidable choice for the leadership position, given her extensive experience."

Common error

While "a formidable choice" is generally appropriate, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "a good option" or "a strong candidate" may be more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable choice" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "choice". It describes the quality of the choice, indicating that it is impressive, powerful, or significant. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable choice" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's an adjective phrase used to describe an option or decision that is impressive or powerful. While its frequency is uncommon, it's well-suited for formal contexts like news reporting and professional documents. Alternatives such as "a powerful option" or "an impressive selection" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful option

Replaces 'formidable' with 'powerful', focusing on the strength and impact of the choice.

an impressive selection

Substitutes 'choice' with 'selection' and 'formidable' with 'impressive', highlighting the quality of the options.

a commanding selection

Replaces 'choice' with 'selection' and 'formidable' with 'commanding', emphasizing dominance.

a significant decision

Focuses on the importance of the decision, using 'significant' instead of 'formidable'.

a noteworthy alternative

Shifts the focus to a single alternative, using 'noteworthy' to indicate its importance.

a substantial option

Uses 'substantial' to convey the weight and impact of the option.

an excellent candidate

Highlights the quality of a person being considered, replacing 'choice' with 'candidate'.

a strong contender

Suggests a competitive situation, with the 'choice' being a strong competitor.

a serious prospect

Indicates a possibility that must be taken seriously, using 'prospect' instead of 'choice'.

a challenging decision

Focuses on the difficulty of making the decision due to its complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable choice" to describe someone or something that is impressive or powerful. For example, "The experienced lawyer was "a formidable choice" for representing the company."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable choice"?

Alternatives include "a powerful option", "an impressive selection", or "a strong contender" depending on the specific context.

Is "a formidable choice" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a formidable choice" is suitable for formal writing, as it conveys a sense of respect and significance. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and professional documents.

What makes "a formidable choice" different from "a good choice"?

"A formidable choice" implies that the option is not only good but also possesses impressive or powerful qualities, setting it apart from other options. "A good choice" is a more general and less emphatic expression.