a formidable leader

USAGE SUMMARY

"a formidable leader" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is assertive, decisive, and effective in their leadership. For example, "He is a formidable leader, having unified hundreds of organizations under his command."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Flower was a formidable leader and a noble mother," the narrator Sean Astin quietly elegized.

The New York Times - Arts

He looked like and sounded like — maybe even is in the process of once again becoming — a formidable leader.

The New Yorker

Hafez was a formidable leader because he was that rare breed, an extremist who knew when to stop.

The New York Times

He was a formidable leader, conversant and engaged with every aspect of Princeton's operations, unflinching in his commitment to excellence, and fiercely devoted to this University's defining values.

Princeton University

A formidable leader of the Afro-Colombian community, Márquez organised the women of La Toma and stopped illegal gold-mining on their ancestral land.

The Guardian

"Dresden is an extraordinary museum undertaking in the context of Germany and I'm sure he will be a formidable leader for the British Museum".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He's made peace with all of that and as a result is a very formidable leader.

Los Angeles Times

Cameron would be a more formidable leader if he had stuck to the liberal conservatism that he once offered.

The Guardian - Opinion

The general feeling, even within the Conservative Party, is that another five years and several acts of God — and, perhaps, a more formidable leader — will be needed before the Party can seriously challenge Labour.

The New Yorker

Despite Ed's surge in the polls, many still argue that David's five years of cabinet experience qualify him for the job and that he will make a far more formidable leader and threat to the Conservatives because of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Thatcher was not a strong or formidable leader.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a formidable leader", provide specific examples of their actions or qualities that demonstrate their strength and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable leader" as a generic compliment. Instead, ensure the context highlights the specific traits that make the leader impressive, such as their strategic thinking, resilience, or ability to inspire others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable leader" primarily functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or an appositive, describing the qualities of a leader. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to attribute strength and capability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable leader" is a phrase used to describe someone with strong and effective leadership skills. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, be sure to provide specific examples to support the assertion of their formidable qualities. While generally positive, the term can also imply a challenging or imposing presence. Alternatives like "an impressive leader" or "a strong leader" can be used to vary your language. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is a useful and accurate way to depict powerful leadership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong leader

Highlights the leader's power and resilience.

a powerful leader

Emphasizes the leader's capacity to exert influence and control.

an effective leader

Emphasizes the leader's ability to achieve results.

a capable leader

Focuses on the leader's competence and skill.

an impressive leader

Focuses on the positive impact and admiration inspired by the leader.

an influential leader

Highlights the leader's capacity to affect the behavior or opinions of others.

an authoritative leader

Emphasizes the leader's expertise and credibility.

a commanding leader

Stresses the leader's authority and influence.

a respected leader

Highlights that the leader is admired and held in high regard.

a dominant leader

Indicates a leader who has significant control and influence over a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable leader" to describe someone who is very strong, powerful, and capable, such as, "She is "a formidable leader" who consistently achieves outstanding results."

What are some alternatives to saying "a formidable leader"?

Alternatives include "an impressive leader", "a strong leader", or "an effective leader" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "a formidable leader"?

While generally positive, describing someone as "a formidable leader" can sometimes imply a sense of being challenging or difficult to oppose. The context is important.

What makes a leader "formidable"?

A leader becomes "formidable" through a combination of strength, competence, experience, and the ability to inspire respect or even a degree of awe. They often possess a track record of overcoming significant challenges.