a more formidable challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more formidable challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task or situation that is more difficult or demanding than another. Example: "The new project presents a more formidable challenge than we initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A more formidable challenge is simply to read well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rappelling down the outside to open the sealed windows was a more formidable challenge.

The New York Times

Motherhood, though, poses a more formidable challenge for the armed forces.

The New York Times

Keeping the air in the Ukip bubble could well prove a more formidable challenge in the next vital six months.

Independent

A more formidable challenge is the destruction of bombs and warheads that are already filled with chemical agents.

The New York Times

Gary Letourneau, the creator of Dino Eggs, faces a more formidable challenge: designing games he can never play.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Finding interesting and informative anecdotes concerning individual efforts is relatively easy; documenting adoption on a more universal scale within the discipline is a much more formidable challenge.

CBE Life Sciences Education

"With the very real potential for a more full-blown civil war breaking out in the wake of a substantial reduction of the US military presence in Iraq, Shia and Kurds appreciate that the increased ability of Sunni Arabs to organise politically and assemble in larger armed formations as a result of such cooperation could confront them with a considerably more formidable challenge as time goes on".

The Guardian

The Bengals' emerging duo of Andy Dalton and Green will pose a much more formidable challenge.

The New York Times

Cincinnati's emerging twosome of Andy Dalton and Green will pose a much more formidable challenge.

The New York Times

Although the elections drained the energy from a week of protests against military rule, many voters and analysts now say the successful parliamentary voting poses a potentially more formidable challenge to the military's power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more formidable challenge" to introduce a significant escalation in difficulty, creating anticipation and highlighting the gravity of the new situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a more formidable challenge" when describing minor difficulties. Reserve it for situations that genuinely represent a substantial increase in difficulty or complexity, to maintain its impact and avoid sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more formidable challenge" functions as a comparative noun phrase, modifying an implied or stated noun (like 'task' or 'situation'). It indicates that a particular challenge is greater in difficulty or intensity than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more formidable challenge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves to highlight a significant increase in difficulty or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is prevalent in News & Media sources and is also found in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context for the comparison to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "a greater difficulty" or "a tougher test" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using it in trivial situations to preserve its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater difficulty

Focuses on the increased level of difficulty.

a tougher test

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation as a test of ability.

a sterner trial

Highlights the severe or serious nature of the challenge.

a steeper climb

Uses a metaphor to suggest increased difficulty in achieving a goal.

a bigger hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle aspect of the challenge.

a more significant obstacle

Focuses on the importance and impact of the impediment.

a major undertaking

Highlights the scale and complexity of the endeavor.

a serious matter

Shifts the focus to the gravity and importance of the situation.

a substantial task

Emphasizes the significant amount of effort required.

a complex situation

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "a more formidable challenge" in a sentence?

Use "a more formidable challenge" to compare two situations or tasks, highlighting that one is significantly harder or more demanding than the other. For example, "Dealing with the established competitor presented "a more formidable challenge" than anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "a more formidable challenge"?

Alternatives include "a greater difficulty", "a tougher test", or "a sterner trial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a more formidable challenge"?

It's best to use "a more formidable challenge" when the situation genuinely involves a significant increase in difficulty or complexity. Avoid using it for trivial or minor difficulties.

What's the difference between "a formidable challenge" and "a more formidable challenge"?

"A formidable challenge" describes a difficult task in general. "A more formidable challenge" implies a comparison, indicating that the current task is harder than a previous one. The use of "more" establishes a comparative relationship.