be a formidable adversary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a formidable adversary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that poses a significant challenge or threat to another person or entity. Example: "In the upcoming competition, our team must prepare to be a formidable adversary to the reigning champions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He would indeed be a formidable adversary.

The New Yorker

He'll be a formidable adversary".

The New York Times - Sports

While Hislop can be a formidable adversary, he is also a very good ally.

The Guardian

And for all that Mr Cameron appears to be impatient to see Mr Brown installed as prime minister, he knows him to be a formidable adversary, very different from the shambling political zombie poor John Major had become.

The Economist

The 40-year-old coach has moulded Fiorentina into an attractive passing team, who could prove to be a formidable adversary for Tottenham in their last-32 tie of the Europa League at White Hart Lane this evening.

Independent

In pursuing his plan for an alliance with France and Italy to corner Prussia in the east, he proved to be a formidable adversary of Bismarck, much superior to Napoleon III of France in political skill and cleverness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Karl is a formidable adversary".

The New York Times

Revis acknowledged that Burress was a formidable adversary.

The New York Times - Sports

Since Arthur's childhood, his stepmother, Carol Sulzberger, had been a formidable adversary.

The New Yorker

Another seasoned bass, Eric Halfvarson, as the Grand Inquisitor, is a formidable adversary of the king.

The New York Times - Arts

With his law and science background, he is a formidable adversary for the climate change team.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to create a sense of dramatic tension in narratives, reports, or analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "be a formidable adversary" to describe routine challenges or minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the opponent genuinely possesses significant strength or skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a formidable adversary" functions as a predicate nominative, describing the subject as someone or something that presents a significant challenge or threat. As supported by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a formidable adversary" is a grammatically sound and relatively frequent expression used to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in formal and informal contexts. It’s primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Sports and less frequent in contexts such as Formal & Business, Wiki, and Science. When writing, it is best to reserve this phrase for scenarios involving genuinely strong opponents. Remember to differentiate this expression from similar ones like "be a tough opponent", which carries less gravitas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute a tough opponent

Replaces "formidable adversary" with synonyms that maintain a similar level of intensity, but focuses more on direct competition.

present a considerable challenge

Shifts the focus from the person to the situation they create, implying difficulty.

prove to be a serious threat

Highlights the potential danger posed, emphasizing the negative aspect of facing this person.

represent a difficult hurdle

Uses a metaphorical expression, portraying the person as an obstacle to overcome.

pose a significant obstacle

Similar to "difficult hurdle", focusing on the obstruction presented by the person.

be a force to be reckoned with

Emphasizes the power and influence of the person, suggesting they cannot be ignored.

be a tough customer

Informal idiom suggesting someone is difficult to deal with or defeat.

offer stiff competition

Focuses on the competitive aspect, suggesting the person is a strong rival.

be a strong contender

Highlights the person's ability and likelihood of success in a competition.

be a real handful

An informal expression that implies that the person is troublesome and difficult to manage.

FAQs

How can I use "be a formidable adversary" in a sentence?

You can use "be a formidable adversary" to describe someone or something that poses a significant challenge. For example, "The defending champion will "constitute a tough opponent" in the upcoming tournament".

What are some alternatives to "be a formidable adversary"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be a strong contender", "pose a significant obstacle", or "be a force to be reckoned with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be a formidable adversary" in formal writing?

Yes, "be a formidable adversary" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing competitive situations or significant challenges. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What is the difference between "be a formidable adversary" and "be a tough opponent"?

"Be a formidable adversary" suggests a higher level of respect and acknowledges greater skill or strength in the opponent, while "be a tough opponent" simply implies that the person or thing is difficult to overcome. The former carries a more significant weight.