a formidable majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large and powerful group that holds significant influence or control in a particular context, such as politics or decision-making. Example: "In the recent election, the party secured a formidable majority, allowing them to implement their policies without opposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A formidable majority of voters has set itself against joining in any near future.

The Guardian

Boehner now presided over a formidable majority; two months earlier, in the midterm elections, the G.O.P. expanded its control of the House by thirteen seats and captured the Senate by winning nine seats there.

The New Yorker

This decision was achieved with the votes of maybe 20percentt of the membership of the ASA, but it is still an irritant, and a reminder to many Israelis and those who support Israel in the US, which constitutes a formidable majority of American public opinion, that there still are some who under the guise of academic prestige act as agents of collective hatred.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He joked that when Joe Bruno, the formidable majority leader of the state Senate, invited him to dinner he accepted, but vowed to take a food-taster with him.New Yorkers elected Mr Spitzer, an Albany outsider, on a mandate to battle corruption and to clean up state affairs.

The Economist

On the other hand, a Republican could transform the somewhat reliable 5-4 conservative majority into a formidable 7-2 conservative majority.

Huffington Post

The election of Mr. Obama and his formidable majorities in Congress, installed over the course of successive elections, was seen in some quarters of the Democratic Party as an ideological vindication — a sign that voters had judged rigid conservatism a failure and were at last ready to embrace a more expansive government.

The New York Times

In a state that has 196,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans and 140,000 more registered Independents than Democrats, Mr. Rowland, a fiscal conservative with moderate views on most social issues, has clearly built a formidable reputation among a clear majority of voters.

The New York Times

Simone Biles is a formidable force on Team USA's majority-minority Olympic gymnastics group this year.

Huffington Post

All of this has left Democrats feeling more hopeful that they can recapture many of the 25 House seats needed for a majority, fend off a formidable challenge by Republicans over control of the Senate and perhaps keep Mr. Obama in Washington.

The New York Times

As you can see from that form line, though a formidable middleweight, Kampmann has enjoyed the majority of his standout wins as a sharp-shooting welterweight, and is now somebody as well-versed on the ground with submissions as he is on his feet with kicks and punches.

Huffington Post

This concise and accessible history reveals how these conservative leaders discovered a winning formula that enabled them to forge a powerful and formidable political majority.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable majority" when you want to emphasize not only the size of the majority but also its strength and potential impact. This conveys a sense of authority and influence beyond mere numbers.

Common error

While "formidable" adds emphasis, avoid using "a formidable majority" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a large majority" or "a significant majority" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable majority" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "majority". It emphasizes the power and influence associated with a significant proportion of people or votes, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formidable majority" is a grammatically sound and impactful expression used to describe a majority that possesses not only size but also significant strength and influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the power dynamics at play. While less frequent overall, its usage is appropriate in formal settings, and it carries a more emphatic tone compared to simpler alternatives like "a large majority".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial majority

Emphasizes the size and significance of the majority.

an overwhelming majority

Highlights the decisive nature of the majority.

a commanding majority

Focuses on the authoritative control implied by the majority.

a decisive majority

Stresses the conclusiveness of the majority's decision or opinion.

a dominant majority

Points to the controlling influence of the majority.

a powerful majority

Highlights the strength and influence wielded by the majority.

a significant majority

Indicates the importance and impact of the majority.

a large majority

Focuses on the numerical size of the majority.

a convincing majority

Emphasizes the persuasive nature of the majority.

a hefty majority

Implies a substantial and considerable majority.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable majority" to describe a group that holds significant power or influence due to its size. For example, "The ruling party secured "a formidable majority" in the parliament, enabling them to pass legislation easily".

What phrases are similar to "a formidable majority"?

Alternatives to "a formidable majority" include "a substantial majority", "an overwhelming majority", or "a commanding majority". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "formidable" emphasize in "a formidable majority"?

The word "formidable" emphasizes the strength, power, and potential impact of the majority. It suggests that the majority is not only large but also capable of exerting significant influence or control.

Is "a formidable majority" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a formidable majority" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts such as political analysis, legal documents, or academic papers where a strong and impactful majority needs to be highlighted.