a remarkable opponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a remarkable opponent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is impressive or noteworthy in a competitive context, such as sports, debates, or any form of rivalry. Example: "In the championship match, she faced a remarkable opponent who challenged her skills and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But, as skillful as they are, they meet a remarkable opponent in the mouth, whose tissue is designed to withstand salivary acids, bacteria, fungi, and chewed food.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's no arguing that he's a remarkable talent, but clearly, opponents have picked up on a lot of his flawed tendencies now that there's a library of recent film on him.

The New York Times

Despite reported coup attempts in 1963 and 1973, Houphouët-Boigny had a remarkable ability to reconcile opponents, which sustained the country's peaceful and prosperous relations with France and with its neighbours throughout most of his rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He possesses, maddeningly for his opponents, a remarkable combination of ability and affability, allowing him to rally his party to thunderous cheers on the floor of the House of Commons while simultaneously showing to the opposition that he thinks some on his own side are barking mad.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Nadal, like his opponent, has a remarkable will as well as a remarkable topspin forehand.

The New York Times - Sports

Peter, a lithe and buoyant Scot, was the world's top player for much of the late nineties and early aughts, a tireless retriever with a remarkable ability to analyze his opponent's game.

The New Yorker

With their defensive discipline and intelligent, hard-working press they have a remarkable knack of making fancied opponents look distinctively pedestrian; just ask the Wanderers during their pre-season FFA Cup derby.

The Guardian - Sport

He then modestly accepted the congratulations of his opponents for reaching a remarkable contract.

The New York Times - Books

In the Nets' last eight tight games, their opponents have shot a remarkable 50.4percentt from the floor.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a remarkable success, and even Saakashvili's opponents acknowledge that he was the best thing Georgia had going.

Huffington Post

In surveys, a remarkable ninety-eight per cent of E.R.A. opponents claimed church membership, as compared with thirty-one per cent of E.R.A. supporters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a remarkable opponent", ensure the context clearly establishes the competitive setting. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the admirable qualities of the person being opposed, rather than simply stating their existence.

Common error

Avoid using "a remarkable opponent" to describe someone who is simply different or interesting. This phrase carries a connotation of rivalry and challenge, so it's inappropriate outside of competitive scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a remarkable opponent" functions as a noun phrase, where "remarkable" modifies the noun "opponent". It describes someone who is particularly noteworthy or impressive in a competitive context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a remarkable opponent" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe an impressive or noteworthy competitor. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not exceedingly common, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, conveying respect and admiration. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes a competitive setting to accurately highlight the commendable qualities of the opposing party. Consider alternatives like "an exceptional adversary" or "a formidable challenger" to achieve a similar effect with slightly varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional adversary

Replaces "remarkable" with "exceptional" and "opponent" with "adversary", emphasizing the high quality of the rival.

a formidable challenger

Uses "formidable" to highlight the challenging nature of the opponent.

an outstanding competitor

Replaces "opponent" with "competitor", focusing on the competitive aspect.

an impressive rival

Emphasizes the admiring quality of the opponent.

a noteworthy antagonist

Uses "noteworthy" to indicate the opponent is deserving of attention and "antagonist" to suggest conflict.

a significant contender

Highlights the importance of the opponent in the competition.

a talented foe

Focuses on the skill of the opponent, using a more dramatic term "foe".

a brilliant match

Shifts focus to the quality of the contest, suggesting the opponent is equally skilled.

a skilled combatant

Emphasizes the combat aspect, suggesting a more direct or physical competition.

a powerful force

Highlights the strength and influence of the opponent.

FAQs

How can I use "a remarkable opponent" in a sentence?

You can use "a remarkable opponent" to describe someone who is impressive in a competitive situation. For example, "In the final round, the champion faced "a remarkable opponent" who pushed her to her limits".

What's a more formal way to say "a remarkable opponent"?

For a more formal tone, you might consider using phrases like "an exceptional adversary" or "a formidable challenger". These options convey respect and acknowledge the opponent's strength.

What does it mean to call someone "a remarkable opponent"?

Calling someone "a remarkable opponent" means you recognize their skills, abilities, or strategies as being particularly impressive within the context of a competition or contest. It implies they are worthy of respect and admiration.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "a remarkable opponent"?

Yes, describing someone as "a remarkable opponent" is generally positive. While it acknowledges they are in opposition to you, it also recognizes their admirable qualities and the challenge they present, showing good sportsmanship and respect.