a formidable power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, organization, or entity that possesses great strength, influence, or capability. Example: "The country emerged as a formidable power in the global economy, influencing trade policies worldwide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

His father, Harold Fisher, was a formidable power in the Brooklyn Democratic organization.

The New York Times

As the grassroots campaign against blood diamonds has shown, consumers can be a formidable power.

The Guardian

And it is not as if the Wild offers a formidable power play.

The New York Times - Sports

Accustomed to using great leverage over union, corporate and political opponents, Mr. Black, 55, operates from a formidable power base.

The New York Times

But it also set them in a David-and-Goliath struggle against a formidable power structure: the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church.

The New York Times

It is still a formidable power but has lately been challenged by a feisty new free-sheet, Yisrael Hayom, published by a Jewish-American billionaire, Sheldon Adelson.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

One can be sure that if Cambodia had been a more formidable power, sustained efforts at diplomacy would have been made.

The New Yorker

The event demonstrated that despite all of the obstacles imposed, be they cultural, social, artistic, or economic, there's a raw and formidable power in permitting oneself to feel a sense of agency and then to act upon it.

Vice

But in the years since, attempts to pass federal gun control legislation have gone nowhere, a testament to the formidable power of a gun lobby guided by the National Rifle Association's dictum: "The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun".

The Guardian

Having derived great wealth from its crown lands, the dynasty gained control of Serbia and Galicia and made Hungary a large and formidable power in east-central Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this manner, ordinary American citizens stand between a defendant and the formidable power of our government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable power" when you want to emphasize the strength, influence, or capability of a person, group, or entity. It's suitable for formal writing and conveys a sense of respect or even intimidation.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable power" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "strong" or "influential."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It describes an entity that possesses considerable strength or influence. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing political entities, organizations, and even individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable power" is a noun phrase used to describe entities with significant strength, influence, or capability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Primarily appearing in news and encyclopedia contexts, it conveys a neutral-to-formal tone. When writing, use it to highlight the impressive nature of a subject and avoid overuse in casual speech. Alternatives include phrases like "a significant force" or "a dominant entity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful entity

Highlights the ability to exert influence or control.

a considerable force

Replaces "power" with "force", suggesting a strong entity or influence.

a potent force

Conveys the strength and effectiveness of the subject.

a dominant entity

Emphasizes the aspect of control and superiority.

a force to be reckoned with

Suggests that the subject is someone or something that should be taken seriously.

a commanding presence

Focuses on the impressive and influential nature of someone or something.

a major player

Highlights the importance and influence within a specific field or context.

an imposing force

Stresses the awe-inspiring and influential nature.

a significant influence

Shifts the focus to the impact and effect exerted.

a strategic asset

Highlights a resource of great value in achieving objectives.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable power" to describe something or someone with great strength or influence. For example, "The United States became "a formidable power" after the war."

What can I say instead of "a formidable power"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant force", "a dominant entity", or "a major player" depending on the context.

Is "formidable" a positive or negative word?

The word "formidable" can be both positive and negative depending on the context. It generally describes something or someone that inspires respect or even fear due to their strength or capability.

What makes something "formidable"?

Something is "formidable" when it possesses qualities like strength, skill, or influence that make it difficult to overcome or ignore.