a formidable time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is challenging or difficult, often implying that it requires significant effort or strength to navigate. Example: "During the economic downturn, many businesses faced a formidable time, struggling to stay afloat amidst the challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even if many want to visit the tolerance museum, which is doubtful enough, they will have a formidable time getting there.

The New York Times - Arts

When I was 16 and working as a model, I lived in Japan for three months on my own and that was a formidable time that taught me that there is more to life than high school and that little microcosm.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But while the reignition of interest in Mandela did not lead to a dividend of tickets, that film was hobbled from the off – by lukewarm reviews, a formidable running time and Idris Elba's striking lack of physical resemblance to the great man.

The Guardian - Film

However, Trott's  formidable time trialling capacitiies, honed to a maximum in her team pursuiting, served her perfectly.

Independent

He is hungry without being thirsty, and uses his formidable time in the game and the skill and wisdom that comes with that longetivity.

Vice

Musculoskeletal clinics typically place considerable emphasis on physical therapy and have formidable time demands.

Clinical interventions in aging

As founder and president of the National Federation of the Blind, he has a formidable spare-time schedule of speeches, conferences, and caucuses, through which he seeks to spread his organization's belief that the blind are much more capable than is generally realized of holding down normal jobs.

The New Yorker

Orlando's openly lesbian city commissioner, Patty Sheehan, a formidable long-time activist for LGBT equality, has been in the national spotlight for the past two weeks fighting to make sure the media didn't take the focus off of the victims of the mass-shooting at the Pulse nightclub in her city: largely LGBT Latinx in a popular queer nightspot.

Huffington Post

I read and reread the stories of his bouts with fearsome adversaries -- Liston, Foreman, Frazier, Norton, Shavers -- a murderers' row of heavyweights, each of whom could have reigned as champion for a very long time in less formidable times.

Huffington Post

And the most attractive medicine on offer looks like cash.In this section Desperately seeking a cash cure Accounting for concern Reprints Related items Citigroup: A supertanker in troubleNov 20th 2008 Audits: Accounting for concernNov 20th 2008Hoarding for hard timesPreserving cash in such formidable times will present managers with an unprecedented test of their skills.

The Economist

If he has added patience where once there was impetuosity, and can ignore the bowler who wants to bore him out, then he will be a formidable batsman over time, undone maybe by reverse swing – but only if delivered at Waqar-ish pace – or clever fields.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable time" when you want to emphasize the difficulty or challenge of a particular period. It suggests that significant effort and strength are needed to navigate the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable time" when describing simple inconveniences or minor setbacks. It's best reserved for situations that present significant challenges and require considerable effort to overcome.

Linguistic Context

Adjective phrase modifying a noun. The phrase "a formidable time" functions to describe a period characterized by significant challenges. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formidable time" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, as noted by Ludwig AI. It is employed to describe a period marked by significant challenges or difficulties, suggesting that considerable effort and strength are needed to navigate the situation. While the phrase isn't exceptionally common, it appears in reputable sources such as news outlets and scientific publications. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely present substantial hurdles, rather than using it for minor inconveniences. Alternatives like ""a challenging period"" or ""a difficult phase"" may be more appropriate in less intense contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging period

Replaces "formidable" with "challenging" and "time" with "period", softening the intensity slightly.

a difficult phase

Emphasizes the difficulty and the temporary nature of the situation.

a demanding era

Focuses on the high demands and pressures of the time.

a trying moment

Highlights the stressful and testing aspects of the situation.

a strenuous duration

Emphasizes the effort and energy required during the time.

a testing span

Highlights the challenging and evaluative nature of the time period.

a rigorous spell

Emphasizes the strictness and demanding nature of the time.

a tough juncture

Focuses on the hardship and critical nature of the moment.

a crucial stage

Emphasizes the importance and decisiveness of the period.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the turning point and significance of the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable time" to describe a period marked by significant challenges or difficulties, like "During the recession, many businesses experienced "a formidable time" trying to stay afloat."

What phrases are similar to "a formidable time"?

Alternatives include "a challenging period", "a difficult phase", or "a demanding era", each emphasizing different aspects of the difficult situation.

Is "a formidable time" more appropriate than "a difficult time"?

"A formidable time" suggests a more intense and demanding experience than "a difficult time". Choose the phrase that best reflects the magnitude of the challenges faced.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a formidable time"?

Avoid using "a formidable time" for trivial inconveniences. It is best suited for describing periods involving substantial effort, resilience, and significant challenges.