a formidable number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or impressive quantity of something, often in a context where the size or amount is noteworthy. Example: "The research team gathered a formidable number of samples for their study, ensuring a comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 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

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

They've since gone on to accumulate a 65-hectare vineyard, a winery, an inn and a formidable number of awards.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

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

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

Wikipedia

Due to the formidable number of possible combinations (∼6000×6000/2) and the sparse nature of synthetic lethal interactions [5], the query genes are generally selected carefully, despite the fact that all genes are used as bait.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable number of" to emphasize that the quantity is not only large but also impressive or potentially challenging due to its size. This adds a layer of significance beyond mere quantity.

Common error

While "a formidable number of" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "many" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable number of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a large and impressive quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable number of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a quantity that is not only large but also impressive or significant. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and can be effectively used in writing. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register appropriate for formal and general audiences. While the phrase is not incorrect, consider simpler alternatives in informal writing. Remember to emphasize the impact or challenge associated with the quantity, to fully leverage the meaning of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable number of

Emphasizes the substantial quantity or amount.

a significant number of

Highlights the importance of the quantity.

a large quantity of

A more straightforward way to express a sizable amount.

a substantial amount of

Similar to "a considerable number of", indicating a notable quantity.

an impressive quantity of

Focuses on the characteristic of quantity/amount being notably impressive.

a vast number of

Indicates a very large and extensive quantity.

a great deal of

Suggests a large amount, often used for uncountable nouns.

an abundance of

Implies a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

a plethora of

Indicates an excessive or overabundance of something.

a multitude of

Suggests a very large number, often of people or things.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable number of" to describe a quantity that is impressively large or significant, such as "The project required "a formidable number of" resources".

What are some alternatives to "a formidable number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable number of", "a significant number of", or "a large quantity of" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a formidable number of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a formidable number of" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a sense of importance and impressiveness regarding the quantity being described. It's frequently found in news media, academic writing, and business contexts.

What distinguishes "a formidable number of" from "a large number of"?

"A formidable number of" implies not just a large quantity, but also that the quantity is impressive, challenging, or noteworthy in some way. "A large number of" simply indicates that the quantity is big, without additional connotations.