a formidable strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a powerful or impressive quality or ability that someone or something possesses. Example: "Her ability to remain calm under pressure is a formidable strength that sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And yet she has a formidable strength.

The Guardian - Music

Four years ago, on the eve of George Bush's second inauguration, this ostensible conservative strength seemed a formidable strength indeed.

Huffington Post

He concedes to Panofsky's view, observing a "thoughtfulness on the high, wrinkled forehead, visionary force in the dreamy yet steady eyes, [and] a formidable strength of passion in the wide, firm mouth".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a formidable force.

Huffington Post

The country's ideological dinosaurs, appalled by every new manifestation of openness, have repeatedly fought back from a position of formidable strength.Mr Khatami has had to face the limitations of presidential authority in Iran.

The Economist

The tale that unfolds in Off The Radar -- the gripping history of a family treading two perilous worlds that have violently collided on their watch -- chronicles the life of Max through the eyes of his son, Cyrus, whose mother is an Iranian lioness not unfamiliar to those of us who know the formidable strength of an Iranian woman with a mission.

Huffington Post

The chances of their completing the pattern with a six on Wednesday would appear remote against opponents whose most formidable strength is a redoubtable resistance to would-be invaders of their penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

However, the Alien quickly grows into a seven foot tall monster with formidable strength, agility and intuitiveness.

Wikipedia

In what he knew would be the closing months and days of his life, he devoted his still formidable strength to the election and support of a young President he hoped would advance the fulfillment of his own life's work.

The New Yorker

Silas Weir Mitchell anchors the show as Monroe, the beast who became Nick's first ally, in a deceptively delicate performance that constantly balances peace-loving, bourgeois nerdiness with steadfast, formidable strength.

The New York Times - Arts

But the Giants had formidable strength off the interchange bench and their greater bulk and experience started to grind down the Wigan youngsters as the first half proceeded.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "a formidable strength" to highlight a resilience or mental toughness, rather than just physical power.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable strength" to solely describe physical attributes; its impact is greater when referring to mental or strategic power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable strength" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "strength". Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing significant qualities in both people and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable strength" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe an impressive and significant capability or asset. Although less frequent, according to Ludwig's analysis it is commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider using it to emphasize resilience or strategic power, avoiding overuse in solely physical descriptions. Remember that, as indicated by Ludwig, it is more impactful when describing mental or strategic attributes. Related phrases include "an impressive power" or "a remarkable resilience".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impressive power

Replaces "strength" with "power", emphasizing the ability to exert influence or control. "Formidable" is replaced by "impressive", indicating admiration.

a substantial force

Substitutes "strength" with "force", denoting a capacity to cause change or exert pressure. "Formidable" is replaced by "substantial", meaning considerable or significant.

a remarkable resilience

Changes "strength" to "resilience", highlighting the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. "Formidable" is replaced by "remarkable", indicating exceptional quality.

a considerable advantage

Replaces "strength" with "advantage", focusing on a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable position. "Formidable" is replaced by "considerable", meaning significant.

a potent capability

Substitutes "strength" with "capability", emphasizing the ability to do something. "Formidable" is replaced by "potent", indicating effectiveness.

a mighty vigor

Changes "strength" to "vigor", highlighting physical strength and good health. "Formidable" is replaced by "mighty", meaning powerful.

an extraordinary fortitude

Replaces "strength" with "fortitude", emphasizing courage in pain or adversity. "Formidable" is replaced by "extraordinary", meaning very unusual or remarkable.

a significant asset

Substitutes "strength" with "asset", denoting a useful or valuable thing or quality. "Formidable" is replaced by "significant", meaning sufficiently great or important.

a telling impact

Changes "strength" to "impact", highlighting the effect or influence. "Formidable" is replaced by "telling", meaning revealing or significant.

a dominating presence

Replaces "strength" with "presence", focusing on the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present. "Formidable" is replaced by "dominating", indicating the ability to control or influence.

FAQs

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

Use "a formidable strength" to emphasize an impressive quality or ability that provides a significant advantage, such as, "Her negotiation skills are "a formidable strength" in closing deals."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable strength"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a formidable strength" could include "an impressive power", "a substantial force", or "a remarkable resilience".

In what contexts is "a formidable strength" most appropriate?

The phrase "a formidable strength" is well-suited for scenarios where a person, strategy, or entity possesses an imposing or powerful capability that influences outcomes significantly.

How does "a formidable strength" differ from "formidable strengths"?

"A formidable strength" refers to a single, significant asset or capability, while "formidable strengths" implies multiple impressive qualities or advantages.