a formidable fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or impressive amount of wealth or resources. Example: "After years of hard work and smart investments, she amassed a formidable fortune that allowed her to retire early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"John Jacob Astor: America's First Multimillionaire" by Axel Madsen John Wileyy & Sons, $30) offers an overdue refresher course in the roots of what is still a formidable fortune.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He practiced law for the succeeding four decades, amassing a considerable fortune and establishing a formidable reputation, more for his abrasive courtroom tactics than for his legal expertise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Apart from having a personal fortune he is a formidable money-raiser: on a single day in May he raked in more than $10m of contributions via a phone-bank appeal.

The Economist

Then Cathy marries the local swell, Edgar Linton, and Heathcliff goes off to make his fortune, returning to Yorkshire as a formidable gentleman, played by James Howson.

The New Yorker

"He's a formidable candidate".

The New York Times

That was a formidable problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is a formidable networker.

The Economist

He is a formidable campaigner.

The Economist

"You are a formidable couple.

Independent

They made a formidable team.

The New Yorker

"It was a formidable assignment".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable fortune" when you want to convey not only a large amount of wealth, but also the power, influence, or respect that comes with it. It is more impactful than simply saying "a large fortune".

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable fortune" in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "a lot of money" or "a large sum" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable fortune" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "fortune". It describes a substantial amount of wealth, emphasizing not only its size but also its impressive or awe-inspiring nature. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formidable fortune" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe a significant amount of wealth that commands respect or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies not only wealth but also influence and power. Alternatives like "a substantial fortune" or "considerable wealth" may be more appropriate in informal settings or when the focus is solely on the amount of money.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial fortune

Replaces "formidable" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount but with less emphasis on the impressiveness.

a considerable fortune

Uses "considerable" instead of "formidable", suggesting a notable amount, but without implying the same level of awe.

a massive fortune

Employs "massive" to emphasize the large size of the fortune, focusing on scale rather than the imposing nature.

an immense fortune

Substitutes "formidable" with "immense", stressing the vastness of the wealth.

a great fortune

Replaces "formidable" with "great", simply denoting a large amount of wealth.

a large inheritance

Focuses on the source of the wealth (inheritance) rather than its imposing nature.

significant wealth

Shifts the focus to the general concept of "wealth" rather than a specific "fortune", using "significant" to quantify it.

substantial assets

Changes the focus to assets rather than fortune, highlighting possessions of value.

extensive holdings

Emphasizes the extent and variety of possessions and investments rather than the sheer amount of money.

a vast estate

Emphasizes the scope of possessions, especially real estate and land.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable fortune" to describe someone who has accumulated a significant amount of wealth and power, for example: "Through shrewd investments, she built "a formidable fortune"."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable fortune"?

Some alternatives to "a formidable fortune" include "a substantial fortune", "a considerable fortune", or "significant wealth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a formidable fortune" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing both the size and the impact of someone's wealth. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What distinguishes "a formidable fortune" from "a large fortune"?

"A formidable fortune" suggests not only a significant amount of wealth but also the power, influence, and respect that come with it. "A large fortune" simply indicates a considerable sum of money without necessarily implying additional attributes.