a formidable workload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable workload" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a heavy or challenging amount of work that needs to be completed. Example: "As the deadline approaches, I find myself facing a formidable workload that requires my full attention and effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Williamson described how he works on four ready-to-wear collections a year, each overlapping the next – it's a formidable workload, particularly when you take into account that since it was founded in 1997 the Matthew Williamson label has diversified and developed, namely with the recently launched MW diffusion line, a successful online store and retail outlets worldwide.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even with that third baby on the way, and the distractions of media commitments and Monday evening's Man of Steel awards ceremony at which he was named Super League Coach of the Year, Maguire has maintained the long hours and formidable workload that crop up early in any chat about him with his coaching colleagues, players or officials.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's a formidable candidate".

The New York Times

That was a formidable problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is a formidable networker.

The Economist

He is a formidable campaigner.

The Economist

"You are a formidable couple.

Independent

They made a formidable team.

The New Yorker

"It was a formidable assignment".

The New York Times - Science

A formidable task.

The New York Times - Food

A formidable historical novel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formidable workload" when you want to emphasize both the size and challenging nature of the amount of work. It suggests that the task requires significant effort and skill to complete successfully.

Common error

Avoid using "a formidable workload" to describe everyday tasks that are merely inconvenient or time-consuming. The term implies a significant level of difficulty and complexity, not just a large quantity of simple tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable workload" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" is an adjective modifying the noun "workload". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to describe a significant and challenging amount of work.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formidable workload" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe a substantial and challenging amount of work. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, where it effectively conveys the scale and difficulty of tasks, as seen in examples from The Guardian and other reputable sources. While synonyms like "heavy workload" or "demanding workload" exist, "a formidable workload" adds a layer of intensity and suggests that the work requires significant effort and skill to complete successfully. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations that truly warrant the description of being both large in quantity and challenging in nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavy workload

Focuses on the quantity of work involved, emphasizing the burden it creates.

a demanding workload

Highlights the intensity and pressure associated with the work.

an overwhelming workload

Emphasizes the feeling of being burdened beyond capacity.

a substantial workload

Indicates a significant amount of work, without necessarily implying difficulty.

a challenging workload

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the work.

a tremendous amount of work

Uses a more verbose structure to convey the magnitude of the workload.

a massive undertaking

Shifts the focus from the volume of work to the scale and ambition of the project.

a Herculean task

Emphasizes the immense effort required, referencing the mythical hero Hercules.

a significant burden

Focuses on the negative impact and pressure of the amount of work.

a mountain of tasks

Uses a metaphor to describe the seemingly insurmountable quantity of work.

FAQs

What does "a formidable workload" mean?

The phrase "a formidable workload" refers to a large amount of work that is also challenging and demanding. It suggests that the task requires significant effort, skill, and determination to complete.

What are some synonyms for "a formidable workload"?

Alternatives to "a formidable workload" include "heavy workload", "demanding workload", or "challenging workload", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "a formidable workload" to describe the amount of work someone faces, such as: "The team is facing "a formidable workload" to meet the project deadline."

Is it appropriate to use "a formidable workload" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a formidable workload" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "a lot of work" or "a tough task" might be more appropriate.