a formidable opponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable opponent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is challenging or difficult to defeat, often in a competitive context such as sports, debates, or arguments. Example: "In the championship match, she faced a formidable opponent who had won several titles in the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Tamburello, an equipment manager for a shipping company, will have a formidable opponent.

The New York Times

Li said McHale was a formidable opponent.

The New York Times

Princeton was a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was a formidable opponent," she said.

The New York Times

But the old man will be a formidable opponent.

The Economist

Farokhmanesh knows Kansas will be a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

The English captain, Alastair Cook, is also a formidable opponent.

The New York Times

"That makes him a formidable opponent for Labor".

Independent

The New Mexico State Aggies were a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

He's quite a damaging character too – always a formidable opponent".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What makes HIV such a formidable opponent?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable opponent" when you want to emphasize the challenging and impressive nature of the person or entity you are competing against. It suggests respect and acknowledges the difficulty of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable opponent" in very casual or informal situations. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tough competitor" or "strong rival" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable opponent" functions as a noun phrase that describes a person or entity that presents a significant challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "opponent", emphasizing their strength and the difficulty they pose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable opponent" is a noun phrase used to describe a challenging and impressive adversary. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate in various contexts, although it can sound a bit out of place in informal conversations. Its prevalence in News & Media highlights its usefulness in describing competitive situations, and its presence in Academic circles shows its utility in formal analysis. Remember to choose context-appropriate synonyms like "a tough adversary" or "a challenging competitor" when aiming for a less elevated tone. By understanding its nuances and contexts, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey respect for a difficult adversary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough adversary

Focuses on the difficulty in competing against them.

a challenging competitor

Highlights the difficulty they present in a competition.

a strong contender

Emphasizes their strength and potential to win.

a powerful rival

Stresses their power and the rivalry involved.

a dangerous foe

Highlights the potential harm they can inflict.

a redoubtable adversary

Uses a less common, more formal word for impressive.

no pushover

An informal way to say someone is not easily defeated.

a force to be reckoned with

Emphasizes the need to take them seriously.

a Herculean challenge

Highlights the immensity of the challenge the opponent presents.

a difficult hurdle

Focuses on the opponent as an obstacle to overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable opponent" to describe anyone or anything presenting a significant challenge. For example: "The defending champion proved to be "a formidable opponent" during the final match."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable opponent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a tough adversary", "a strong contender", or "a challenging competitor".

Is it better to say "formidable opponent" or "strong opponent"?

"Formidable opponent" suggests not only strength but also a sense of respect and the potential for difficulty, whereas "strong opponent" simply denotes power. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes someone "a formidable opponent"?

Someone is "a formidable opponent" due to a combination of factors like their skill, experience, determination, and the challenges they present. It implies they are not easily defeated and demand serious consideration.