a formidable rival

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable rival" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that poses a significant challenge or competition. Example: "In the world of chess, Magnus Carlsen has always been considered a formidable rival to any opponent he faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It would be a formidable rival to the Sands.

The New Yorker

It was a formidable rival for the perhaps better-known Brough Superior.

The New York Times

Granted trade and customs privileges, it soon became a formidable rival to Hamburg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Barbour is running and raising so hard because he has a formidable rival.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Hu is a formidable rival, sharp yet merciless," Mr. Chen said.

The New York Times

These operators fear the creation of a formidable rival that will upset what has been a relatively stable market.

The New York Times - Tech

But provided he succeeds as mayor, Mr Ebrard may turn into a formidable rival to his former mentor.

The Economist

But they have a formidable rival in Hannelore Kraft, who is leading those Social Democrats opposed to a grand coalition.

The Economist

If he wins...he'll be groomed as a formidable rival to Nixon for the 1960 Republican Presidential election.

The New Yorker

When Google introduced Checkout in June, it was seen as a formidable rival to PayPal, eBay's online payment service.

The New York Times - Tech

But he faces a formidable rival in Hamas, the Islamic resistance movement, and other splinter groups like Islamic Jihad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competitor, use "a formidable rival" to convey respect for their abilities and the challenge they pose. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the rival's impact to the point where it diminishes the achievements of others. Use "a formidable rival" to acknowledge their strength without implying invincibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable rival" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically as a subject complement or object complement. It describes a person, group, or entity that presents a significant challenge or competition. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and effective in conveying the intensity of the rivalry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable rival" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a challenging competitor. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and utility in various contexts. Primarily found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral to professional register, effectively conveying respect for the opponent's strength. When writing, use it to acknowledge a competitor's abilities without overstating their impact, and consider alternatives like "a tough competitor" or "a powerful opponent" for nuanced expressions. The phrase serves to recognize and give credit to the competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging rival

Focuses on the difficulty posed by the rival.

a powerful rival

Highlights the strength and influence of the rival.

a tough competitor

Emphasizes the competitive aspect and the difficulty in overcoming them.

a fearsome rival

Stresses the intimidating nature of the rival.

a dangerous adversary

Highlights the potential harm or threat posed by the rival.

a major contender

Focuses on the rival's position as a significant participant in a competition.

an imposing opponent

Emphasizes the size, strength, or influence of the rival.

a significant threat

Highlights the potential negative consequences of the rival's actions.

a dominant force

Focuses on the rival's overwhelming power and influence.

a strong contender

Highlights the potential and level of competition of the rival.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable rival" to describe someone or something that poses a significant challenge in a competitive situation. For instance, "The new company quickly became "a formidable rival" to established industry leaders".

What are some alternatives to "a formidable rival"?

You can use alternatives like "a tough competitor", "a strong contender", or "a powerful opponent", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a formidable rival" in formal writing?

Yes, "a formidable rival" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It conveys respect and acknowledges the competitor's strength without being overly casual.

What's the difference between "a formidable rival" and "a worthy opponent"?

"A formidable rival" emphasizes the challenge and potential threat posed by the competitor, while "a worthy opponent" focuses on their admirable qualities and the respect they command. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance differs.