a formidable factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an element or influence that is powerful or significant in a particular context. Example: "The economic downturn proved to be a formidable factor in the company's decision to downsize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His extraordinary parents were used to living dangerously—his father, Claud Cockburn, was a famous journalist whom MI5 was convinced was a "formidable factor on the side of Communism"—but they little imagined the risks they were running in moving their young sons into the eye of a polio storm in Cork in 1956.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These factors have not been evaluated systematically, but identification of such factors presents a formidable task, considering the complexity and diversity that constitute individual tumor and tumor host environment.

Cancer Management and Research

The confluence of these factors poses a formidable challenge to gender activists seeking to intervene.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

This is not to blame the authors – we are amongst them and know that a lot of work and thought goes into such papers – but there is so much potential for interaction between methods of behaviour change and context, that properly controlling for these factors becomes a formidable task.

Health Psychology Review

Coupled with his undoubted X-Factor, Connors was a formidable player in the early 1980s in particular, beating McEnroe in the 1982 final, losing to the same man in 1984, and reaching four semi-finals in all during a decade in which he entertained us all royally.

The Guardian - Sport

To the surprise of much of the political class, exit polls suggested that corruption was almost as formidable a factor, especially among Independents and disaffected Republicans.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, the generation of genome-wide binding maps for multiple transcription factors across different cell types remains a formidable challenge for individual labs [45].

Experimental Hematology

Factor out the cancer, and Armstrong is still a formidable human being -- brash, opinionated, impulsive, strong, caring, tough, smart.

The New York Times - Sports

Evolution of arrays with increasing densities of SNPs has mitigated the first factor but the ability to accurately detect CNA remains a formidable challenge.

BMC Medical Genomics

Taking these factors into account when trying to improve the availability of EmOC personnel remains a formidable challenge.

Human Resources for Health

"He's a formidable candidate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formidable factor", ensure the context clearly establishes the power or difficulty associated with the factor. This strengthens the impact of your statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable factor" when the element in question has only a minor or negligible impact. Overusing such strong language can dilute its effectiveness and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable factor" functions as a noun phrase where "formidable" modifies the noun "factor". It identifies a significant element with considerable influence. Ludwig AI validates this with examples showing its use to describe impactful forces.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable factor" is a phrase used to describe an element that exerts considerable influence, often implying a challenge or significant advantage. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its presence in diverse sources. While its usage is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news, scientific and business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context justifies the strong emphasis and consider related phrases like "a significant element" or "a major influence" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial element

Highlights necessity, indicating that the factor is essential and indispensable.

a significant element

Replaces "formidable" with "significant", indicating importance but with less emphasis on power or difficulty.

a major influence

Substitutes "factor" with "influence", focusing on the ability to affect something, while "major" indicates high importance.

a powerful force

Replaces both words to emphasize strength and impact.

a considerable force

Highlights the impactful or significant nature of something.

a key component

Shifts the focus to essentiality and being a necessary part of a whole.

a critical aspect

Highlights the importance of the element being discussed, suggesting it is crucial for consideration.

an important consideration

Emphasizes the need to take something into account.

a substantial contributor

Focuses on the factor's role in actively contributing to a particular outcome or situation.

a noteworthy aspect

Highlights that the factor deserves attention or is remarkable in some way.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable factor" to describe something that significantly influences a situation or outcome due to its strength or difficulty. For example, "The economic downturn proved to be "a formidable factor" in the company's decision to downsize."

What are some alternatives to using "a formidable factor"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant element", "a major influence", or "a powerful force" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a formidable factor"?

No, it is not always appropriate. Use "a formidable factor" only when describing something that has a considerable and potentially challenging influence. Avoid using it for minor or insignificant elements.

How does "a formidable factor" differ from "an important factor"?

"A formidable factor" implies a strong or difficult influence, while "an important factor" simply indicates significance. "Formidable" adds a sense of challenge or power that "important" lacks.