a formidable person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is impressive, powerful, or capable, often evoking a sense of respect or fear. Example: "Despite her small stature, she is a formidable person in the boardroom, commanding attention and respect from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She's a formidable person in many ways".

The Guardian

"She was a formidable person," Justice Kagan said.

The New York Times

It was really important because McCoy is a formidable person.

The New York Times

He seems like a self-possessed man, with an air of formality: a formidable person.

The New Yorker

A nurse with a law degree, Massengale is a formidable person.

The Washington Post

"Charlie is quiet and shy in a way, but he is a formidable person," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He's a bear of a guy, a big, formidable person, and when it came time for him to talk, he gave the most eloquent, restrained argument against the death penalty".

The New York Times

But she's a very formidable person, strong and effective".

The Guardian

Our first term was pretty terrifying, mainly because our head of year, Lynn Bains, was an incredibly formidable person.

The Guardian

"Anthony is a formidable individual.

BBC

Both history and magic are provided via the single and formidable person of Mr. Jay, the scholar magician and author of books like "Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable person" to convey respect and acknowledge someone's strength and capability. Ensure the context aligns with the serious tone of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable person" in overly casual or informal settings. The phrase's serious tone may sound out of place or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable person" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig examples show its application in attributing a sense of strength, respect, and sometimes, intimidation to an individual. The phrase highlights noteworthy qualities that make someone stand out.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable person" is a descriptive noun phrase used to express admiration and respect for an individual's strength, skill, or character. While grammatically correct, its usage is more common in news, business, and academic contexts. Ludwig examples and other analytical sources indicate that the term is generally positive but can also imply a slight sense of intimidation. Because Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and clear meaning, writers can confidently use it when they want to express respect or admiration for someone's capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impressive individual

Focuses on the positive impact someone has, highlighting their admirable qualities.

a commanding presence

Emphasizes the ability to dominate a room or situation through force of personality.

a powerful personality

Highlights inner strength and influence.

an authoritative figure

Suggests someone with recognized expertise and influence.

a strong character

Focuses on moral fiber and resilience.

an influential person

Highlights the ability to affect others' opinions or actions.

a dominant personality

Implies a tendency to control situations and people.

a forceful character

Emphasizes assertiveness and determination.

a respected leader

Focuses on the admiration and deference earned from others.

an intimidating individual

Highlights the capacity to inspire fear or awe.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable person" to describe someone who inspires respect and perhaps a degree of awe due to their skills, character, or position. For example, "Despite her quiet demeanor, the CEO was "a formidable person" in negotiations."

What's the difference between "a formidable person" and "a powerful person"?

"A formidable person" suggests someone who is impressive and perhaps slightly intimidating due to their strength or skill. "A powerful person" simply denotes someone with significant influence or authority. While there's overlap, "formidable" carries a stronger sense of respect and potential challenge.

What are some alternatives to "a formidable person"?

You can use alternatives like "an impressive individual", "a commanding presence", or "a powerful personality" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "a formidable person"?

While generally positive, describing someone as "a formidable person" can sometimes imply a sense of threat or challenge, depending on the context and the listener's perspective. Ensure your audience understands the intended compliment.