a formidable couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a couple that is impressive, powerful, or capable in some way, often in a positive context. Example: "Together, they make a formidable couple, tackling challenges with strength and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"You are a formidable couple.

Independent

Clinton's testimonial and his repeated assertions that she was "the best darn change-maker I have ever seen" did little to address the other questions about their extraordinary partnership, and really the ones that matter most: how did a formidable couple manage their respective ambitions?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Coupled with the soon-to-ship iRig Mic, the two make a formidable pair for creating many kinds of audio recordings: vocal performance, field recordings, etc. Video below.

TechCrunch

They were a formidable pair.

The Guardian

Their teachers are a formidable gay couple with assistants including a "tiny, ancient" accompanist straight out of central casting.

The Guardian - Books

Together Elizabeth and Peter make a formidable academic couple, both with first-class degrees in what is said to be Oxford's toughest intellectual challenge, Literae Humaniores, the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature, Greek and Roman history, and ancient and modern philosophy.

The Guardian - Books

The formidable couple are best known for their iconic chairs, constructed using a wide variety of tools and media.

Independent

In 1969 he married the feminist film critic Molly Haskell, and they made a formidable and stimulating couple.

The Guardian - Film

However, the interviewees for this article have a slightly different profile - they are a formidable married power couple and they have grown a veritable portfolio of businesses with operations all over the world.

Huffington Post

At the time, he had amassed a formidable collection of the couple's work from the 1960's; their highly collectible glass rondelays now hang in one window.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the unfamiliarity of facing a more formidable team, coupled with a lack of experience, resulted in St. Monica's season ending with a 25-13, 25-19, 25-19 defeat at Mayfield High School on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider specifying the area where the couple excels. For example, "a formidable academic couple" or "a formidable political couple" provides more context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable couple" when the couple's strengths are already clearly evident from the context. Using it unnecessarily can make your writing sound redundant. Ensure that the phrase adds meaningful emphasis to their combined capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable couple" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "couple", indicating that the pair is impressive, powerful, or capable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable couple" is a phrase used to describe a pair that is impressive and powerful, typically commanding respect due to their combined capabilities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable. Although its occurrence is relatively rare, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, focus on specifying the domain of the couple's combined excellence for enhanced clarity and impact. Avoid overuse and ensure the context warrants the description to prevent redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful duo

Replaces 'formidable' with 'powerful', emphasizing strength and influence.

an impressive pair

Uses 'impressive' instead of 'formidable', highlighting their admirable qualities.

a strong partnership

Focuses on the strength of their collaboration rather than individual capabilities.

a dynamic twosome

Emphasizes their energy and interaction as a pair.

a commanding team

Highlights their authority and effectiveness when working together.

an unbeatable alliance

Stresses the difficulty in opposing them due to their combined strengths.

a dominant pairing

Focuses on their superior position and control when united.

a fearsome duo

Conveys a sense of respect mixed with apprehension due to their strength.

an influential couple

Highlights their ability to affect or shape decisions and opinions.

a force to be reckoned with

Emphasizes that they should be taken seriously and not underestimated.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a formidable couple"?

Describing someone as "a formidable couple" means they are impressive, powerful, and capable, often in a way that commands respect or even inspires a degree of awe. It emphasizes their combined strength and effectiveness.

What can I say instead of "a formidable couple"?

You can use alternatives like "a powerful duo", "an impressive pair", or "a strong partnership" depending on the specific context.

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

You might say, "Together, they make a formidable couple, capable of overcoming any challenge" or "They are a formidable couple in the political arena, known for their strategic acumen and influence."

Is "a formidable couple" only used to describe romantic relationships?

No, "a formidable couple" can describe any pair working together, whether in a romantic relationship, a professional partnership, or any other context where their combined strengths make them particularly effective.