a formidable point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the strength or significance of an argument or observation in a discussion or debate. Example: "During the meeting, she made a formidable point about the need for increased funding for education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was in Dallas that Nash established himself as a formidable point guard, beginning a decade as one of the game's top players.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Godley's is indeed a formidable head.

The New York Times - Books

At first blush, Smolin's ideas sound like a formidable starting point for concrete experimentation.

The Guardian

Whether it will take 15 years or is already a formidable tipping point will be left to the viewer to decide.

TechCrunch

She's young enough that college is still her most formidable point of reference.

The New York Times

The Democratic race will first head to South Carolina, where Clinton has enjoyed a formidable 20-point lead in recent polls, and where her backing from African Americans, a key demographic in the state, is stronger than her support from Latinos.

The Guardian

He was a formidable 20-point, 10-rebound threat through seven seasons with the Clippers from 2001 to 2008, and he made two All-Star teams during that stretch.

The New York Times

Clinton has enjoyed a formidable 20-point lead in recent polls in South Carolina, where her backing from African Americans is looking more durable than that of Latino voters.

The Guardian

Dureau made it three from three with the boot, adding a penalty shortly before half-time to give his side a formidable 20-point advantage at the interval.

BBC

The fact that Buridan has not been generally acknowledged in the same rank as the four "greats," even though he is certainly a formidable contender, points to an important feature of the twentieth-century historiography of later medieval philosophy.

SEP

Rockefeller harbored a formidable 13-point-lead over Goldwater in the critically important California primary.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the idea of the point being not only strong but also potentially challenging or difficult to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable point" when the idea is merely interesting or relevant. Reserve it for situations where the argument genuinely presents a significant challenge or carries considerable weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable point" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "point". It characterizes the point as being strong, impressive, and potentially difficult to overcome. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is deemed grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable point" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an argument or observation that is not only strong but also potentially challenging or difficult to dismiss. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It's frequently found in contexts such as news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the idea being presented warrants the weight of the adjective 'formidable', reserving it for truly significant or impactful arguments. Alternatives such as "a compelling argument" or "a significant observation" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compelling argument

Focuses on the persuasive power of the argument, rather than its intimidating quality.

a strong contention

Highlights the firmness and conviction behind the statement.

a significant observation

Emphasizes the importance and relevance of the insight.

a powerful statement

Stresses the impact and forcefulness of the declaration.

a noteworthy idea

Indicates that the concept is worthy of attention and consideration.

a substantial argument

Highlights the depth and significance of the matter.

an impactful remark

Focuses on the consequence and influence of the comment.

a telling comment

Emphasizes the revealing and insightful nature of the remark.

a decisive factor

Highlights the capability of the point to influence the final result or judgement.

a critical consideration

Focuses on the essential nature of the idea for a correct understanding of the context.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a formidable point" in a sentence?

Use "a formidable point" to emphasize that an argument or idea is not only strong but also potentially challenging to oppose or ignore. For example: "During the debate, she raised "a formidable point" about the economic impact of the proposed policy.".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a compelling argument", "a strong contention", or "a significant observation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe an argument as 'formidable'?

An argument can be described as 'formidable' when it is not only strong and well-supported but also presents a significant challenge or obstacle to opposing viewpoints. It suggests that the argument is difficult to dismiss or refute.

Is there a difference between "a formidable point" and "a strong point"?

While both phrases indicate a powerful argument, "a formidable point" suggests an added layer of difficulty or challenge. A strong point is simply well-supported, whereas "a formidable point" implies a degree of impressiveness that makes it hard to ignore.