a formidable step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impressive action taken towards achieving a goal or making progress. Example: "Implementing the new policy was a formidable step towards improving workplace safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

MONZA, Italy — As the Italian Grand Prix brought an end to the Formula One season in Europe on Sunday at this celebrated track, Sebastian Vettel of Germany had posted another start-to-finish victory, outpacing Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and taking a formidable step toward his fourth consecutive driver's championship.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is indeed a formidable step forward in ensuring that inter-country adoption is pursued in conformity with the standards and principles of international legislation requiring any placement decisions to be in the best interests of the child".

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You may think that you are picking between flavors of ice cream (Corporation vs. LLC, etc). but you are taking formidable steps, which need to be taken with guidance". Then we discussed what kind of organization I wanted to form, the options being an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, or Partnership.

Forbes

The allegations tarnished the schools' reputation and presented a formidable challenge for anyone stepping in behind the for-profit giant.

The Washington Post

Coping with the stepping aside of a formidable founder is rarely easy.

The Economist

Despite such steps, Bank of America faces a formidable challenge in rebuilding its public image.

The New York Times

Dancing softly, but wielding a formidable technique, Erin Gallagher shaped quiet classical steps into a meditation on love and betrayal in "Gimlet," to jazz singer Nancy Wilson's rendition of the 1940s pop tune "You've Changed".

Huffington Post

It will be a formidable fight to achieve these essential steps but we can and will succeed if all of us raise an irresistible and unrelenting voice in every state in the weeks and months to come, and for as long as it takes.

Huffington Post

While this may seem a simple and logical step, in practice it presents a formidable narrative challenge.

The New York Times - Books

The cabinet post is a step towards bigger ambitions for Abreu, a formidable political operator.

The Guardian

"We are now looking for the next step and a victory on home soil against a formidable Barbarians team before we set off for Australia".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable step" when you want to emphasize that an action is not only progressive but also impressive and potentially challenging due to the effort or resources required.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable step" in very casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, "formidable" has a strong connotation and can sound out of place in everyday speech. Simpler terms like "big step" or "major step" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable step" functions as a noun phrase, with "formidable" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "step". It describes a particular action or stage in a process, highlighting its significance and potential impact. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable step" is a grammatically sound and appropriate phrase for describing a significant and impressive action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not overly common, it is suitable for formal and neutral registers, particularly in news, business, and professional contexts. When choosing to use "a formidable step", consider the context and audience, ensuring that the gravitas of "formidable" aligns with the overall tone. Alternatives like ""a significant advancement"" or ""a major breakthrough"" may offer a similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Be mindful of overusing it in very informal settings, where simpler language might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Replaces "step" with "advancement" emphasizing progress and development.

a major breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

a considerable leap forward

Emphasizes the distance covered in progress.

a substantial move

Focuses on the action taken rather than the progress made.

an impressive stride

Uses "stride" to highlight the confident and powerful nature of the step.

a gigantic leap

Emphasizes the magnitude of progress.

a decisive action

Highlights the resoluteness and impact of the action.

a crucial initiative

Highlights the importance of this new beginning.

a noteworthy undertaking

Emphasizes the significance of the endeavor or project.

an impactful intervention

Focuses on the impact of the action in changing a course of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable step" to describe a significant action taken toward achieving a goal. For example, "Implementing the new regulations was "a formidable step" in improving environmental protection."

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

Alternatives include "a significant advancement", "a major breakthrough", or "a considerable leap forward", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "a formidable step" is generally appropriate for formal writing, consider your audience and the overall tone. If you're unsure, alternatives like "a significant move" may be safer.

What's the difference between "a formidable step" and "a big step"?

"A big step" simply emphasizes the size or importance of the step. "A formidable step" also implies that the step is impressive, possibly due to its difficulty or the resources required.