a formidable number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or impressive quantity of something, often conveying a sense of respect or awe. Example: "The team faced a formidable number of challenges during the project, but they persevered and succeeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The floods submerged large swaths of the Czech Republic, leaving broad ribbons of destruction, including hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the country's cultural fabric, though a formidable number of artworks were saved during the pandemonium.

The New York Times - Books

There were "blue pills" and "white pills", and he alludes to a formidable number of casual sexual encounters that destroyed his first marriage to childhood sweetheart Mary Burgoyne, to his bitter regret.

The Guardian - Music

Polls around the state in recent days have shown varied results, but have agreed on the main points: About three-fifths of the voters want Governor Davis out of office, a formidable number to overcome in such a short election.

The New York Times

Europe's competition regulator has told Universal Music that its £1.2bn bid to buy EMI faces a formidable number of hurdles to gain clearance – with the watchdog raising concern over the combined company's potential domination of The Voice and other TV shows, the price of digital music and dominance of its acts on radio and elsewhere.

The Guardian

At the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, there was standing room only at the 9am mass, as hundreds of worshippers and a formidable number of camera crews packed the aisles to hear Father Sebastian Rossouw describe Mandela as a guiding light for the nation.

The Guardian

They've since gone on to accumulate a 160-acre vineyard, a winery, an inn and a formidable number of awards.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Jones makes for a formidable opposite number; she's a consistently brilliant actor who needs a breakthrough.

The Guardian - Film

A common conundrum reported by all informants, for example, was the formidable number of test takers taking their tests every year, an issue which has been repeatedly raised by many testing researchers when discussing language testing in the Chinese context (see e.g., Cheng, 2008; Cheng and Curtis, 2010; Jin, 2010; Li, 1997).

Language Testing in Asia

Considering the formidable number of Japanese string players making their marks on the world's stages, it should surprise no one that four of them have banded to gether into an excellent quartet.

The New York Times

The bombing of London, Coventry, Liverpool, and other cities went on for several months, but it had the immediate benefit for the RAF of relieving the pressure on Number 11 Group and also bringing more German bomber formations into the sectors of the formidable Number 12 Group.

Britannica

An unprecedented and "formidable" number of dummies were required: more than 400 tanks, 100 guns, and nearly 2000 soft-skinned vehicles.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable number" when you want to emphasize not only the largeness of a quantity, but also its potential impact or the challenge it presents. For instance, "The task force faced "a formidable number" of obstacles, including budget constraints and tight deadlines".

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable number" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a lot" or "many" might be more appropriate. This phrase carries a degree of formality that can sound out of place in everyday conversation or informal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity that is impressive, challenging or difficult to overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable number" is a phrase used to describe a quantity that is large and potentially challenging or impressive. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it tends towards a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and avoids overuse in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like ""a substantial quantity"" or ""a considerable amount"" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial quantity

Replaces 'formidable' with 'substantial', indicating a considerable amount, focusing on size rather than impressiveness.

a considerable amount

Uses 'considerable' emphasizing the significance of the amount, differing slightly in tone from 'formidable'.

a significant quantity

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the number, making it a more formal alternative.

a large quantity

A simpler and more direct way to express a big amount, lacking the nuance of 'formidable'.

an impressive sum

Focuses on the admiration or respect that the number inspires.

a noteworthy quantity

Highlights that the number is worth paying attention to.

an appreciable quantity

Emphasizes that the number is large enough to be noticed or have an effect.

a vast quantity

Uses 'vast' to convey an extremely large amount, adding a sense of immensity.

a great quantity

A more general alternative, suitable for various contexts, lacking the strong connotation of 'formidable'.

a sizable amount

Indicates that the amount is quite large, but perhaps not overwhelming.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable number" to describe a quantity that is large and potentially challenging or impressive. For example: "The project required overcoming "a formidable number of" obstacles".

What can I say instead of "a formidable number"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial quantity", "a considerable amount", or "a significant quantity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a formidable number of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say ""a formidable number of"" followed by a plural noun. For example, "a formidable number of challenges".

What's the difference between "a large number" and "a formidable number"?

"A large number" simply indicates a quantity, while "a formidable number" suggests that the quantity is not only large but also potentially challenging, impressive, or impactful.