a formidable man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is impressively powerful, strong, or capable, often evoking respect or fear. Example: "The general was known as a formidable man, commanding respect from both his allies and enemies alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A formidable man".

The New Yorker

He was a formidable man, athletic and strong, who never realized his true desires.

The New York Times - Books

After all, we have been watching — and probably enjoying — the sight of a formidable man in despair.

The New Yorker

"He's a formidable man, and I expect him to bring something unique to the role," she said.

The New York Times

He has used the platform of a reality television show, NBC's "The Apprentice," to burnish his pop-culture image as a formidable man of affairs.

The New York Times

Brought to New England as a slave when he was a boy, he grew into a formidable man, over six feet tall, 300 pounds, and amazingly strong.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Cloaked in Merrily Murray-Walsh's ill-fitting rags, the broad-shouldered, square-jawed Dennehy resembles a once formidable man who's long thrown in the towel.

Huffington Post

After all, he is a good critic because he is not wholly shaped by ideology, nor does he try to be politically correct....The final chapter, 'How Lee Kuan Yew Thinks', reveals the human side of this formidable man and is a must-read....this book is a good read not only for students of politics, but also for readers interested in strategic thinking.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But he is not just an old geezer: Lazarescu was once a formidable professional man.

The Guardian - Film

I played some games against a formidable young man named Sam Zimmerman: he used a puzzling (to me) pawn opening; we split the first two games, and then he took the tie-breaker, though it should be said that there was some controversy about that one.

The New Yorker

For Scarisbrick, Henry was a formidable, captivating man who "wore regality with a splendid conviction".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable man" to describe someone who possesses both strength and presence, capable of inspiring respect or even fear. It works best when the context suggests the man's capabilities are significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable man" in contexts that require a purely positive or complimentary description, as the word "formidable" can sometimes carry a sense of being challenging or difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable man" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" is an adjective modifying the noun "man". Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid expression, supported by real-world examples, reinforcing its adjectival role in describing the man's qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formidable man" is a grammatically sound and impactful way to describe a man who inspires respect and possesses significant strength or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it appears most commonly in News & Media, its application extends to books and academic writing. When using this phrase, remember its potential to convey both admiration and, in some contexts, a sense of being challenging. Consider alternatives like "an imposing figure" or "a powerful man" to tailor your expression to the intended nuance. Using this phrase enriches descriptions and adds depth when you want to highlight a man's impressive qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a force to be reckoned with

Suggests someone who is powerful and should be taken seriously.

a powerful man

Highlights the man's authority and influence.

a strong man

Emphasizes physical or moral strength.

an imposing figure

Focuses on the visual impression of someone who commands attention and respect.

a commanding presence

Stresses the ability to dominate a situation or environment.

a man of influence

Implies considerable power and capacity to effect change.

a dominant individual

Highlights their control and influence over others.

a man of great stature

Emphasizes respect and importance

an indomitable spirit

Focuses on the person's resilient and unyielding nature.

a tough character

Highlights resilience, resolve, and unyielding conviction.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable man" to describe someone who is impressive due to their strength, skill, or power. For instance, "The CEO was "a formidable man", respected for his strategic vision and relentless drive".

What are some alternatives to "a formidable man"?

You can use alternatives like "an imposing figure", "a powerful man", or "a strong man" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "formidable" to describe a woman?

While less common, "formidable" can be used to describe a woman, but you may use phrases like "a force to be reckoned with" or "a powerful woman".

What's the difference between "a formidable man" and "an intimidating man"?

"A formidable man" implies respect and admiration for their strength or skill, while "an intimidating man" suggests causing fear or unease. "Formidable" emphasizes capability, whereas "intimidating" focuses on emotional impact.