a formidable sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is impressive, awe-inspiring, or intimidating in appearance. Example: "The ancient castle, perched on the cliff, was a formidable sight against the backdrop of the stormy sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's a formidable sight if you happen to be responsible for stopping them.

The Guardian - Sport

Shiva, dressed in a burgundy sari and a shawl the color of rust, was a formidable sight.

The New Yorker

During the dustup, it appears that Tyson sank his gnashers — themselves a formidable sight, even in the course of an everyday grin — into a large helping of his opponent.

The New Yorker

Those driving runs from Touré are a formidable sight, but there was something fairly wretched about the way Johnson simply retreated, backing away until Touré was in the penalty area and choosing where to put his shot.

The Guardian - Sport

Once your eyes adjust to the bright sunlight on deck, the sight of two dozen grey warships all moving together into a tight battle formation is a formidable sight.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

So we hoisted our sails into a formidable breeze, sighting one, then another, then a third loggerhead turtle, big as armchairs — and that kind of was the point.

The New York Times - Travel

They became known for their formidable sight-reading, their ability to execute difficult scores with great panache on minimal acquaintance.

The Economist

Some pictures showcase nature's most beautiful and formidable sights, while others highlight both the urban and suburban jungle.

Huffington Post

After all, we have been watching — and probably enjoying — the sight of a formidable man in despair.

The New Yorker

The protesters are a minority that cannot win through elections, but they comprise a formidable alliance of opposition leaders, royalists, and businessmen who have set their sights on ousting the government.

Independent

"He's a formidable candidate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable sight" when you want to convey that something is impressive or intimidating due to its size, power, or overall appearance. It's suitable for dramatic or impactful descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable sight" to describe everyday or unremarkable things. The phrase implies a significant level of impressiveness or intimidation, so reserve it for situations where that impact is genuine.

Linguistic Context

"A formidable sight" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes something that evokes awe, respect, or even fear due to its impressive nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formidable sight" is a noun phrase used to describe something impressively striking or intimidating. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but notes its relatively rare usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its purpose is to convey awe or respect. To avoid misapplication, reserve it for genuinely impactful scenarios. Remember that alternatives like "an imposing spectacle" or "a breathtaking spectacle" may suit different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a breathtaking spectacle

Implies the sight is so stunning it takes one's breath away.

an imposing spectacle

Emphasizes grandeur and visual impact.

an awe-inspiring vision

Highlights the feeling of deep respect and wonder.

a striking scene

Focuses on the visual prominence and impressiveness.

a commanding presence

Suggests authority and control conveyed through appearance.

a powerful display

Indicates strength and impact in what is being shown.

a remarkable view

Highlights the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the sight.

an impressive panorama

Emphasizes the wide-ranging and magnificent nature of the view.

a daunting prospect

Shifts the focus to the intimidating aspect of what is seen.

an intimidating display

Highlights the fear or apprehension the sight provokes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable sight" to describe something impressive or intimidating, such as "The army lined up on the battlefield was "a formidable sight"".

What are some alternatives to "a formidable sight"?

Alternatives include "an imposing spectacle", "an awe-inspiring vision", or "a striking scene" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a formidable sight" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing something with significant impact or impressiveness. It's frequently found in news and media.

What does it mean when something is described as "a formidable sight"?

It means that the thing being described is impressive, often intimidating, and commands attention due to its power, size, or appearance.