a formidable feat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable feat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impressive or challenging achievement that requires significant skill or effort. Example: "Completing a marathon in under three hours is truly a formidable feat that only a few can accomplish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is a formidable feat that cannot unfold within a few turns of the page.

The Guardian - Books

Don't be shy; there are those who feel that solving the New York Times crossword puzzle is in itself a formidable feat.

The New York Times

A 69 at Yale is a formidable feat because the 74-year-old layout is traditionally ranked among the 50 most difficult courses in the nation.

The New York Times - Sports

And he speaks in the same measured tone throughout what is a 500-page novel, a formidable feat of consistency and control.

The Guardian - Books

In one week alone, the new speaker collected roughly $200,000 in contributions for his Keep Our Majority political action committee, a formidable feat for someone who raised only $85,000 for his PAC during all of last year.

The Washington Post

Now five years later, Park, co-directing with Steve Box, has completed his second feature-length animated film, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, a formidable feat of claymation and proof of Mae West's claim that an Aardman is good to find.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is the manner in which this formidable feat has been achieved, however, that makes Ferguson such a unique figure.

The New York Times

Mr. Koch now faces the formidable feat of garnering support from Senate Republicans for the redistricting bill.

The New York Times

That formidable feat hasn't been accomplished since 1975, when Bobby Fischer won the crown.

Huffington Post

Another high-flying attraction at the Emelin finds the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats offering a children's show replete with what are called "formidable feats of daring and balance, explosive Kung-Fu, brilliant costumes and a touch of Chinese humor". Make that three shows, actually, starting at 11 A.M. and 1 and 3 P.M. next Saturday.

The New York Times

Indeed, there is a strong argument to be made that no aspect of Paleolithic technology can by itself be taken as prima facie evidence of symbolic capacities; for intuitive, nondeclarative, forms of intelligence can evidently accomplish formidable feats (Tattersall 2009).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable feat" to describe achievements that are not only difficult but also command respect due to the skill or effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable feat" to describe routine tasks or easily achievable goals. Reserve it for situations where the accomplishment truly stands out as challenging and impressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable feat" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" is an adjective modifying the noun "feat". It describes a specific achievement, emphasizing its challenging or impressive nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable feat" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes an impressive or challenging achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various sources, primarily news and media. While not extremely common, it's a valuable expression for highlighting the skill, effort, or difficulty involved in an accomplishment. Alternatives include "a considerable achievement" or "an impressive accomplishment". When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for truly remarkable accomplishments, avoiding overuse in simple contexts. The register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable achievement

Replaces "feat" with "achievement" and "formidable" with "considerable", focusing on the significance of the accomplishment.

an impressive accomplishment

Substitutes both adjectives and the noun for synonyms that convey admiration and success.

a remarkable undertaking

Replaces "feat" with "undertaking", shifting the focus to the effort and project involved.

a significant accomplishment

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the achievement rather than its difficulty.

a noteworthy achievement

Highlights the deserving recognition of the accomplishment.

a herculean effort

Uses a metaphorical adjective to emphasize the immense strength and effort required.

a monumental achievement

Stresses the lasting impact and grand scale of the accomplishment.

a tough challenge overcome

Shifts the focus to the difficulty of the challenge and its successful completion.

an extraordinary endeavor

Highlights the exceptional and unusual nature of the undertaking.

a triumph against adversity

Emphasizes that the accomplishment was achieved despite difficult circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable feat" to describe a challenging or impressive accomplishment. For example, "Completing the project ahead of schedule was "a formidable feat" given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable feat"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable achievement", "an impressive accomplishment", or "a remarkable undertaking" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a formidable feat" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant achievements or challenges overcome. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What distinguishes "a formidable feat" from "a great success"?

"A formidable feat" specifically highlights the difficulty and impressiveness of the achievement, while "a great success" primarily emphasizes the positive outcome, irrespective of the effort involved.