as formidable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as formidable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the strength, power, or difficulty of one thing to another. Example: "The storm was as formidable as the one that had devastated the coast last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It has morphed into something as formidable as ever".

The New York Times - Books

"It's about as formidable as a meatloaf," Mr. Trillin said.

The New York Times - Food

The Blue Devils looked as formidable as ever.

The New York Times

The enemy inside us is every bit as formidable as imagined invaders from beyond.

The New York Times - Health

Duke was born to a family with nomenclature as formidable as its wealth & social position.

The New Yorker

Congressmen and women, especially from U.P., yearn for a Gandhi family nominee as formidable as Indira.

The New York Times

He said: "As formidable as [Isis] is as a group, it is not invincible.

Independent

A new album, "Hot House," finds their intuitive partnership as formidable as ever.

The New Yorker

His combines are as formidable as the most challenging cubist paintings.

The Guardian - Arts

He said Bryant's accomplishment was not quite as formidable as Chamberlain's.

The New York Times - Sports

However, those advantages are plainly no longer as formidable as they were at the company's zenith.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, consider the context. If the level of formidability is already understood, you might use a more concise comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "as formidable as" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "the task was as formidable as expected", specify "the task was as formidable as climbing Mount Everest" for a more impactful and understandable comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as formidable as" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements of comparable strength, power, or difficulty. Ludwig shows its effectiveness in illustrating similarities between entities, as seen in examples where tasks or opponents are likened in their imposing nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as formidable as" is a comparative conjunction used to equate the strength, power, or difficulty of two distinct subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to provide a clear and specific comparison to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "equally imposing" or "just as powerful" can offer nuanced options for expressing comparable intensity. To enhance writing, always ensure a distinct and clear comparison, avoiding ambiguous references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as challenging as

This option highlights the difficulty involved, suggesting a comparable level of complexity or adversity.

just as powerful

This alternative emphasizes the strength and ability to exert influence, highlighting the comparable power level.

of equal strength

Emphasizes that two or more things possess the same level of physical or metaphorical power.

no less daunting

This phrase stresses the intimidating nature of something, indicating that it is equally challenging or discouraging.

comparably strong

This alternative directly states that the strength is similar, indicating a parallel level of force or resilience.

on par with

An expression that indicates equality in status or quality.

equally imposing

This phrase focuses on the visual aspect of being impressive, suggesting a similar grandeur or presence.

similarly imposing

Focuses on the characteristic of impressing or affecting (someone) deeply.

matches in intensity

Highlights how two or more things have similar intensity of feeling or strength.

rivals in power

Highlights how two or more things compete for power and are at the same level.

FAQs

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

Use "as formidable as" to compare the strength, power, or difficulty of two things. For example, "The challenge was "as formidable as" we had anticipated".

What are some alternatives to "as formidable as"?

You can use alternatives such as "equally imposing", "just as powerful", or "no less daunting" depending on the context.

Is "as formidable as" formal or informal?

The phrase "as formidable as" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose the most appropriate tone. In highly formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym.

What does "as formidable as" mean?

The phrase "as formidable as" means that something is equally strong, powerful, or difficult as something else. It is used to draw a direct comparison in terms of intensity or challenge.