a strong opponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong opponent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is formidable or challenging in a competition or conflict. Example: "In the championship match, she faced a strong opponent who tested her skills to the limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Mattis is a strong opponent of such techniques.

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson is a strong opponent of abortion.

The New York Times

In the general election, Blackwell faces a strong opponent in Ted Strickland.

The New Yorker

Benn had been a strong opponent of Britain's staying in the Market.

The New Yorker

I was a strong opponent of the Iraq war, but this feels different.

The New York Times

Though a strong opponent of the Vietnam War, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve (1968 73).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is always good to start out a big tournament against a strong opponent.

The New York Times

The hole began wheezing during a recent practice, while Mr. Vale struggled against a strong opponent.

The New York Times

Hatfield was a strong opponent of the Vietnam War, and Packwood supported abortion rights.

The New York Times

He was a strong opponent of the reform of Plato and Plato's Syracusan friend Dion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Canada had a great game plan and executed it extremely well against a strong opponent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a political race, consider using "a strong opponent" to emphasize the competitive nature of the election and the candidate's ability to perform well under pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong opponent" repeatedly in a single piece of writing; instead, vary your language with synonyms like "formidable adversary" or "tough competitor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong opponent" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a person or entity that presents a significant challenge. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various contexts to emphasize the difficulty in overcoming an adversary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong opponent" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone who presents a significant challenge. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news and encyclopedic sources, indicating its broad applicability and neutrality. To enhance your writing, remember to vary your language and context to engage the reader. Instead of only using "a strong opponent", try some other expressions such as "a formidable adversary" or "a tough competitor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable adversary

This alternative emphasizes the impressive and intimidating qualities of the opponent.

a tough competitor

This phrase focuses on the competitive aspect, suggesting someone difficult to beat in a contest.

a challenging rival

This alternative highlights the difficulty and stimulation the opponent brings.

a worthy contender

This phrase suggests that the opponent is deserving of respect and consideration.

a redoubtable foe

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the opponent's strength and resilience.

a powerful antagonist

This phrase implies a significant level of influence or force possessed by the opponent, often in a narrative context.

a dominant force

This alternative underscores the overwhelming influence and control exerted by the opponent.

an influential detractor

This phrase refers to an opponent who actively and effectively criticizes or opposes.

a determined challenger

This alternative highlights the opponent's resolve and persistence in pursuing their goals.

a skillful combatant

This phrase emphasizes the opponent's proficiency and expertise in a confrontational situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong opponent" to describe someone who is difficult to defeat or compete against, such as in the sentence, "The boxer faced "a strong opponent" in the championship match".

What can I say instead of "a strong opponent"?

You can use alternatives like "a formidable adversary", "a tough competitor", or "a challenging rival" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a strong opponent" or "an strong opponent"?

"A strong opponent" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a strong opponent" and "a worthy opponent"?

"A strong opponent" emphasizes the difficulty in competing against someone, while "a worthy opponent" suggests that the opponent is deserving of respect and admiration, regardless of the outcome.