a formidable place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is impressive, powerful, or intimidating in some way. Example: "The ancient castle stood on the hill, a formidable place that had withstood the test of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She holds a formidable place in the London literary world.

The New York Times - Books

However he does it, the effect is constantly shocking: a room of Rembrandt portraits is a formidable place.

The Guardian

If I were to base my perception of the area solely on e-mail messages like these, it would be a formidable place.

The New York Times

However, the former Republic of Ireland international says Anfield was not always such a formidable place to visit.

BBC

For someone bent on keeping the planet as a going concern, the Nature Conservancy is a formidable place to be.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

August 10 2011 August 21 201111 Various series in the past year have explored Trisha Brown's formidable place in the pantheon of late-twentieth-century dance.

The New Yorker

They have already lost on their own ground to Everton, Newcastle and West Brom and it is clear that opposing teams no longer consider Old Trafford to be the formidable place it once was.

The Guardian - Sport

He's still with us, as is Cleve Jones, who rose up alongside Harvey Milk to claim his own formidable place on the mantle of queer liberation.

Vice

Few companies are ever eager to spend lavishly in a challenging setting when opportunities exist in less formidable places, especially if lower prices set in.

Huffington Post

Together they made a formidable team, in place until the mid-1980s, by which time they had moved from the outer fringes to the mainstream of British politics.

The Economist

With more than 100,000 troops in Iraq, the Americans have a formidable ground force in place with no set timetable for leaving.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable place" when you want to convey that a location is not only impressive but also potentially difficult or challenging to interact with or overcome. Consider the connotations of power, strength, or resistance that the word "formidable" brings.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable place" in overly casual settings where a simpler adjective like "impressive" or "grand" would suffice. The term carries a weight that may feel out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable place" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "place". The adjective "formidable" describes the place as something that inspires respect or fear due to its size, strength, or difficulty. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to describe locations with significant power or presence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formidable place" is an effective way to describe a location that inspires respect, fear, or a sense of challenge. As Ludwig examples show, it's commonly used in news and media to portray places with significant power or presence. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's important to be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "an imposing location" or "a daunting location" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is usable in written English, serving to describe a location that is impressive, powerful, or intimidating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an imposing location

Focuses on the grandeur and impressiveness of the place.

a daunting location

Highlights the feeling of intimidation or apprehension the place evokes.

a commanding site

Emphasizes the strategic importance or dominance of the location.

a challenging venue

Suggests difficulties or obstacles associated with the place.

an awe-inspiring site

Highlights the feeling of wonder and respect the place inspires.

a powerful spot

Focuses on the strength and influence associated with the place.

a remarkable area

Emphasizes the exceptional or noteworthy qualities of the location.

a strategic point

Highlights the importance of the place in achieving a particular goal.

a significant location

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the place

a noteworthy locale

Highlights the fact that the place is worth mentioning

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable place" to describe locations that inspire respect, fear, or a sense of challenge. For example: "The fortress on the cliff was "a formidable place", deterring invaders for centuries".

What's a good alternative to "a formidable place"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an imposing location", "a daunting location", or "a commanding site" to convey a similar meaning but with slightly different nuances.

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

The phrase "a formidable place" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the power, strength, or difficulty associated with a location. This is common in descriptions of historical sites, natural wonders, or challenging environments.

What kind of feeling does the phrase "a formidable place" evoke?

The phrase "a formidable place" evokes a feeling of respect, and sometimes apprehension or intimidation, depending on the context. It suggests that the location is not easily overcome or ignored.