a formidable cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or challenging expense associated with a particular action or decision. Example: "The new project will require a formidable cost, which we need to budget for carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Adding these benefits to the exemption of road tolls, the economic benefits of owning and using EVs represents a formidable cost savings that further induces the purchase and use of EVs in cities.

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

During her decade at the company she forged a reputation as a formidable cost-cutter, and when she resigned in June, a grateful board rewarded her with shares worth more than £11m, even though the majority were not exercisable at the time of her departure.

The Guardian - Business

We have the tools to provide a formidable, cost-effective first pass at pandemic prevention.

Huffington Post

About half of the formidable cost has been paid for by grants; the rest has been borne by the estate.

Independent

They are reimbursed for the extra cost of buying renewable energy instead of coal-fired power, but not for the formidable cost of building power lines to wind turbines and other renewable energy producers, many of them in remote, windswept areas.

The New York Times

Projected performance requirements are leading to formidable cost and energy efficiency challenges.

Optical Fiber Telecommunications Components and Subsystems

Traditional paper-based neuropsychological testing is seriously limited by the formidable cost in time and money.

BMC Geriatrics

Because carmakers look to spread the formidable costs of research and development over as many vehicles as possible.

The Economist

Hence the limits on other services that auditors can provide to their audit clients, and the requirement that audit committees (the interface with the auditing profession) consist of independent directors receiving no other form of compensation from the company.But will the law really help reduce financial fraud in corporate America and by enough to justify its formidable costs?

The Economist

For businesses small and large, and particularly for international investors, serious corruption has formidable costs.

Forbes

Taking into account the formidable costs of data collection for each target, it is reasonable to reconsider the best number of targets.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formidable cost", ensure the context clearly indicates what is incurring the cost and why it is considered substantial. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable cost" when the expense is relatively minor or easily manageable. "Formidable" implies a significant challenge or obstacle; using it inappropriately can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "cost". It serves to describe a cost that is perceived as substantial and challenging. The example Ludwig provides confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "a formidable cost" effectively communicates that an expense is not just any cost, but one that poses a significant challenge or obstacle. Grammatically sound and validated by Ludwig, this phrase is used to emphasize the magnitude and impact of the expense. While Ludwig indicates its usage is relatively uncommon, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Forbes. When incorporating "a formidable cost" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes why the cost is considered so substantial. Alternative expressions include "a significant expense" or "a substantial cost", allowing for nuanced communication depending on whether you want to emphasize the amount or the challenge presented by the cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant expense

Replaces "formidable" with "significant", focusing on the importance of the expense.

a substantial cost

Substitutes "formidable" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount.

a considerable expense

Uses "considerable" in place of "formidable", emphasizing the size or amount of the cost.

a hefty price

Replaces "cost" with "price" and "formidable" with "hefty", suggesting a large sum of money.

a steep price

Replaces "cost" with "price" and "formidable" with "steep", implying a high and potentially discouraging price.

a large expenditure

Replaces "cost" with "expenditure", making it sound more formal, and "formidable" with "large".

a major financial burden

Replaces "cost" with "financial burden", highlighting the negative impact of the expense.

a prohibitive expense

Uses "prohibitive" instead of "formidable", suggesting the cost is so high it prevents action.

an onerous cost

Replaces "formidable" with "onerous", emphasizing the burdensome nature of the cost.

a crippling cost

Uses "crippling" instead of "formidable", conveying that the cost is so high it may cause serious damage.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable cost" to describe an expense that presents a significant challenge or obstacle. For example: "Implementing the new security system will involve "a formidable cost", but it's necessary to protect our data."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable cost"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant expense", "a substantial cost", or "a hefty price" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a considerable cost" or "a formidable cost"?

Both "a considerable cost" and "a formidable cost" are acceptable, but they have slightly different connotations. "Considerable" emphasizes the amount or size of the cost, while "formidable" emphasizes the challenge or obstacle it presents. Choose the phrase that best reflects the aspect you want to highlight.

What makes a cost "formidable"?

A cost is "formidable" when it is large enough to be a significant obstacle, requiring careful planning, substantial resources, or difficult choices. It implies that the expense is not easily overcome and may present a considerable challenge.