a formidable personality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable personality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong, impressive, or commanding presence. Example: "Her reputation as a leader is well-deserved; she truly has a formidable personality that inspires those around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She has a formidable personality".

The New York Times

His mum was a formidable personality, she was fantastic".

The Guardian

Having recovered bravely from the killing by terrorists of her husband Pavlos, Mrs Bakoyianni is a formidable personality in her own right.

The Economist

His mum was a formidable personality, she was fantastic". To his friends, this background created a highly principled and ambitious young man.

The Guardian

"Sometimes I think he can rub people the wrong way because he is such a formidable personality and is so confident.

The New York Times

With a unique mixture of a powerful velvety voice and a formidable personality, she managed to dominate the singing scene in Egypt and the Arab world for decades on end, making Arab audiences sway from the ocean to the gulf.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He's a formidable person, absolutely formidable.

HuffPost

Benn deplores personality politics, though he has a formidable political personality himself.

The Guardian

She was famous for her formidable personality, Elizabethan dress, and eccentric opinions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was equally famed for her formidable personality, Elizabethan dress, and eccentric opinions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to waxing confessional, he conjures the filmmaker's formidable personality.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as having "a formidable personality", be specific about the qualities that make them so impressive. For example, mention their intelligence, resilience, or leadership skills.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "powerful", "impressive", or "strong" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable personality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a verb. It is used to describe a person's character, emphasizing their strength and influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formidable personality" is a grammatically sound and widely understood expression used to describe an individual with a strong and impressive character. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in discussing public figures and impactful individuals. While "strong personality" can be a suitable alternative, "formidable" adds a nuance of awe or even intimidation. When using this phrase, ensure that your writing specifies the qualities that make the personality "formidable" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong personality

A more general term indicating firmness and resilience in one's nature.

a powerful character

Highlights the strength and influence of the person's moral or ethical qualities.

a forceful character

Highlights the energy and intensity of the person's nature.

a commanding presence

Emphasizes the ability to control and influence a situation.

an imposing figure

Focuses on the physical presence and impression made by the person.

a dominant nature

Emphasizes the tendency to exert control or influence over others.

an influential individual

Stresses the person's capacity to affect or shape events and opinions.

a remarkable individual

This term focuses on the distinctiveness of the person, highlighting their unique impact and qualities.

an impressive person

Describes someone who evokes admiration and respect through their qualities or actions.

a dynamic character

This term reflects adaptability and energy, suggesting that the person evolves and creates impact over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable personality" to describe someone who has a strong, impressive, or commanding presence. For example: "She has "a formidable personality" that commands respect".

What are some alternatives to saying "a formidable personality"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong personality", "a commanding presence", or "an imposing figure" depending on the context.

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

"Formidable personality" implies a more awe-inspiring or even intimidating presence, while "strong personality" simply suggests resilience and firmness. The choice depends on the specific impression you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a formidable personality"?

It is appropriate in formal and informal settings to describe someone whose traits are particularly strong, admirable, and impactful. It's often used when discussing leaders, influential figures, or anyone who leaves a lasting impression.