a formidable future

USAGE SUMMARY

"a formidable future" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has a bright and successful future ahead of it. For example: The new CEO looks forward to a formidable future for the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Italian news reports said his possible premiership had been opposed strongly by Berlusconi, who views him as a formidable future rival, but this was denied by the PdL.

The Guardian

The young Colombian showed strength way beyond his years and, with work on his time-trialling, he could have a formidable future.

The Guardian - Sport

Disentangling the relative importance of all these processes remains a formidable future challenge.

Biological Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Why would Boeing transfer technology to a potentially formidable future competitor?

Forbes

But in an indication, also, of the concern he raises in the camp of the three-times prime minister, Berlusconi was reported to have opposed the backing of a man he views as being his most formidable future opponent.

The Guardian

Even as, on its new Gaza front, it is likewise turning Hamas and other Islamists into more formidable future foes than they already are, it suddenly finds itself confronted, in alarming and maddening fashion, with this monstrous legacy of an old one.

The Guardian - Opinion

In spite of the progress made over the years, important methodological barriers remain in the statistical analysis of crash data and this, along with the availability of many new data sources, present safety researchers with formidable future challenges, but also exciting future opportunities.

Analytic Methods in Accident Research

The popular image is of a charming eccentric cycling around Somerset knocking on people's doors persuading old ladies to sing him their lovely old songs so he could save them from extinction, and preserve them through his books and lectures to provide a formidable harvest for future generations to enjoy and plunder.

The Guardian - Music

"So I think I did that very well throughout the whole week, and it's something I need to keep improving and keep getting better at it". If he is able to regularly harness this new outlook, he will become a formidable force at future majors.

BBC

It would also, of course, be a formidable force in a future leadership race.

The Guardian

And for all his recent protestations of moderation, Dole will be a formidable opponent in the future as well.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable future" when you want to convey a sense of strength, potential challenges, and significant impact in the time to come. It suggests more than just a 'good' future; it implies resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable future" in very casual or informal contexts where a simpler phrase like "a good future" would suffice. The word 'formidable' carries a strong connotation and might sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable future" functions as a noun phrase, where 'formidable' acts as a pre-modifying adjective describing the nature of the 'future'. It typically serves as the object or complement of a verb, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable future" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used to describe a future that is expected to be powerful and perhaps challenging, implying resilience and the capacity to overcome obstacles. While "formidable" suggests strength, context is key to ensure it's used appropriately, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Related phrases include "a promising future" and "a challenging future", offering similar but slightly different nuances. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. The analysis suggests a neutral register, fitting for various formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising future

Focuses on the positive potential and likelihood of success.

a bright future

Emphasizes the positive aspects and optimism associated with the future.

a challenging future

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles that may be encountered.

a strong future

Indicates resilience and stability in the times ahead.

an impressive future

Stresses the admirable and noteworthy qualities of the predicted future.

a powerful future

Suggests significant influence and impact in the time to come.

a substantial future

Highlights the considerable size or importance of the future.

a considerable future

Indicates a noteworthy and significant future.

an imposing future

Emphasizes the grand and awe-inspiring nature of the future.

a momentous future

Suggests the future will be filled with significant events and decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable future" to describe something or someone that is expected to have a powerful and challenging future. For example: "The company is planning for "a formidable future" in the renewable energy sector."

What's a less formal way to say "a formidable future"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, you could use phrases like "a bright future", "a promising future", or "a great future" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable future" a positive or negative phrase?

While "formidable" can sometimes imply a challenge, in the context of "a formidable future", it generally carries a positive connotation, suggesting strength and resilience in facing future challenges. However, the overall tone depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a formidable future" and "a great future"?

"A great future" simply implies a positive and successful future. "A formidable future", on the other hand, suggests a future that may involve significant challenges but also the strength and capacity to overcome them. It emphasizes resilience and impact more than simple success.