be a formidable contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a formidable contender" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that is a strong competitor in a particular field or context. Example: "With their innovative strategies and skilled team, they are sure to be a formidable contender in the upcoming tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But many Democrats say he would be a formidable contender.

The New York Times

If there were a competition for Most Pitiful Childhood Memoir -- and current bookstore shelves do suggest the possibility -- Jennifer Lauck's "Blackbird" would be a formidable contender.

The New York Times - Books

Here are five takeaways: "Frozen" seems likely to be a formidable contender for the best animated film Oscar — and not just because the competition is relatively light this year.

The New York Times

Which surely means Alonso will be a formidable contender for the rest of the year to win that elusive third title.

BBC

It's clear with a healthy Gipson, Fairfax (5-0) will be a formidable contender to repeat as Division I champions.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Among the documentary competitors I've seen Dan Krauss's devastating film "The Kill Team," is a formidable contender.

The New York Times

Says The Times' editorial board, "No, Sanders has been a formidable contender, but he will not be the party's nominee".

Los Angeles Times

A handful openly regretted their 2008 support for Mr Obama.Democrats are sure that Hillary Clinton would be a formidable presidential contender.

The Economist

And he's a formidable competitor.

Forbes

That a team that has not won a World Series since 1908 would instantly be considered a formidable contender to rumble there?

The New York Times - Sports

The fact that Buridan has not been generally acknowledged in the same rank as the four "greats," even though he is certainly a formidable contender, points to an important feature of the twentieth-century historiography of later medieval philosophy.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a formidable contender" to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge or is likely to succeed in a competition or field. It effectively conveys respect for their abilities.

Common error

While "formidable" adds strength to your description, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "strong", "powerful", or "impressive" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a formidable contender" functions as a predicate nominative, describing the subject's potential or current state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression used to denote someone or something that is a strong and respected competitor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a formidable contender" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge in a competitive setting. Ludwig AI validates that it is a usable phrase in written English. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, demonstrating its versatility and acceptance in different registers. When using this phrase, remember that alternatives like "be a strong competitor" or "be a tough rival" can provide variety, and avoid overuse of "formidable" by incorporating other descriptive adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a top contender

Highlights the rank and status of someone who has a good possibility of winning.

be a force to be reckoned with

An idiomatic expression highlighting the power and influence that someone has and that is why must be taken seriously.

be a strong competitor

Replaces "formidable" with "strong", emphasizing raw power and capability rather than inspiring fear or respect.

be a prime candidate

Focus on the suitability and prospects of someone for a specific role.

be a tough rival

Substitutes "contender" with "rival", highlighting the competitive aspect and personal opposition.

be a serious threat

Shifts the focus to the potential danger posed by the contender, rather than their overall strength.

be a leading candidate

Highlights the position or status of the contender as a frontrunner in a competition or election.

present a significant challenge

Shifts the focus from the person to the difficulty they present.

be a major player

Emphasizes influence and importance within a specific field or industry.

be a dominant force

Focuses on the overwhelming power and control exerted by the contender.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a formidable contender" to describe a person, team, or entity that presents a significant challenge in a competition or field. For example, "The new startup is expected to "be a formidable contender" in the tech industry."

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

Some alternatives include "be a strong competitor", "be a tough rival", or "be a serious threat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "be a formidable contender" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of respect and challenge, making it appropriate for business, academic, and news contexts.

What makes a contender "formidable"?

A contender is "formidable" when they possess a combination of strengths, skills, and resources that make them difficult to defeat or overcome. This can include experience, talent, financial backing, or a strong strategic approach.