a formidable subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic that is challenging, impressive, or worthy of respect, often in academic or intellectual contexts. Example: "The professor introduced us to a formidable subject that required extensive research and critical thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

IN "Two Moons," Thomas Mallon, one of our finer novelists writing about politics (especially those of the 19th century) and science, takes on a formidable subject: nothing less than the vastness of the universe and the wish to be immortal.

The New York Times - Books

This year's Fountain House Symposium and Luncheon took on a formidable subject.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He tackles an equally formidable subject in "The Human Scale," a production of the Public Theater and 3-Legged Dog being presented at the 3LD Art and Technology Center.

The New York Times

Johnson, who teaches history at Boston College, has taken on a formidable and sensitive subject and has largely conquered it, thanks to indefatigable research and a rigorous, unblinking analysis.

The New York Times - Books

For a slim book, "The Goshawk" has, like its subject, a formidable wingspan.

The New Yorker

Jenny Roberts, who has died aged 75, was a leading health economics researcher in the field of public health issues in the UK, a widely respected teacher and a formidable advocate for her subject.

The Guardian

Mr. Mortier has also commissioned a formidable modernist, Charles Wuorinen, on a subject with proven populist appeal, "Brokeback Mountain".

The New York Times - Arts

Structural masonry has a formidable history, which has been subjected to much analysis by scholars in architecture and engineering.

Construction and Building Materials

Bone infection remains a formidable challenge to the medical field.

BioMed Research International

A formidable proportion expressed migratory inclinations in our study.

Globalization and Health

IT was a formidable challenge to create a craft show that did not home in on one subject or technique, formidable on many levels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable subject" when you want to emphasize the challenging yet impressive nature of a topic, especially in academic or intellectual discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable subject" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where a simpler description would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable subject" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" is an adjective modifying the noun "subject". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable subject" is a phrase used to describe a challenging and impressive topic, often in academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable, though its frequency is relatively rare. It commonly appears in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, emphasizing the topic's complexity and significance. While grammatically sound, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Related phrases include alternatives such as "a challenging topic" or "a daunting task", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an imposing topic

Similar to "formidable" but carries a slightly stronger sense of grandeur or difficulty.

a challenging topic

Replaces "formidable" with a more common and less intense adjective.

a significant challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect and importance of the issue.

a daunting task

Shifts the focus to the difficulty of the task rather than the subject itself.

a complex issue

Emphasizes the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the subject.

a substantial undertaking

Highlights the scale and effort required to address the subject.

a demanding theme

Highlights the rigorous requirements and expectations associated with the subject.

a weighty matter

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the topic.

a serious matter

Underscores the gravity and importance of the topic.

a noteworthy subject

Emphasizes the importance and attention-worthiness of the topic.

FAQs

What does "a formidable subject" mean?

The phrase "a formidable subject" describes a topic or issue that is challenging, impressive, and worthy of respect due to its complexity or significance.

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

You might say, "The professor introduced us to "a formidable subject" that required extensive research." or "Suicide: Looking for Answers, the event recently drew more than."

What are some alternatives to "a formidable subject"?

Alternatives include "a challenging topic", "a daunting task", or "a complex issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a formidable subject" formal or informal?

"A formidable subject" is generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts.