be formidable enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be formidable enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of having sufficient strength, power, or capability to achieve a certain outcome or to face a challenge. Example: "To succeed in this competitive market, we must be formidable enough to outshine our rivals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Political Affiliation: Republican Age: 72 Occupation: Retired Concerned About: Debt Supporting: Mitt Romney — NARAYAN MAHON Mr. Romney easily won the Maryland primary on Tuesday night, according to The Associated Press, steadily adding to a comfortable delegate lead that he hopes will soon be formidable enough to drive his lagging rivals from the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

The New York Times

He undertook an extensive daily workout regime to enlarge his physique, wanting his character to appear as a "hunter" and to be formidable enough to present a credible threat to the protagonists.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Mowbray is convinced that Arsenal are formidable enough to keep any anticipation quite realistic.

The Guardian - Sport

Elsewhere Sol Campbell was formidable enough to let John Terry gradually reacquaint himself with the contest after injury.

The Guardian - Sport

As the Fahnestock steward, Mr. Lowe's grandfather was formidable enough to become the first "colored" man to live on the street known as "the block beautiful".

The New York Times

The initial task was formidable enough: to map the genes and track the cell lineages - the sequence through which the fertilised C elegans egg divided and its progeny cells migrated to form the adult organism.

The Guardian - Books

The new president is formidable enough to have wrested autonomy from James L. Dolan, the owner, who has employed assorted watchdogs and listening devices as a form of intimidation toward his coaches Larry Brown and Thomas.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Vollbracht, the artist and author whose fame as a fashion designer in the late 1970's and early 80's was formidable enough to earn him a guest spot on "Hart to Hart," was celebrating the publication of "Nothing Sacred," a new edition of his 1985 book of celebrity portraits.

The New York Times - Style

Our founders once believed that these ideals were formidable enough to topple the forces of tyranny and guide our nation to freedom.

Huffington Post

Many Polish extremists are relying on the hope of Anglo-American support in pressing for an aggrandised Poland; yet if Poland's independence were threatened in the future, the Western Democracies' military problem in going to Poland's defence would be formidable enough.

The Economist

Playing both books of the daunting, dazzling piano études by the colossal Gyorgy Ligeti, who died in 2006, would be formidable enough.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be formidable enough to" when you want to emphasize not only capability but also a degree of impressiveness or strength that deters opposition or ensures success.

Common error

Avoid using "be formidable enough to" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, "formidable" can sound stilted in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "be strong enough" or "be capable enough" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be formidable enough to" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject and indicating that the subject possesses a level of strength, skill, or power sufficient for a specific purpose. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be formidable enough to" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It conveys a meaning of possessing sufficient strength or capability to achieve a specific goal, often implying an impressive or deterrent quality. While not extremely common, the phrase appears most frequently in news media and formal writing. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality. Alternatives such as ""be strong enough to"" or ""be capable enough to"" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be strong enough to

Focuses on physical or inherent strength rather than a broader sense of being impressive or capable.

be capable enough to

Emphasizes ability and skill, which may be more specific than general formidability.

be powerful enough to

Highlights the aspect of having power or influence to achieve something.

be equipped to

Implies having the necessary tools, resources, or preparations.

be prepared to

Stresses readiness and willingness, rather than inherent strength.

be adequate to

Suggests a minimum level of sufficiency, lacking the emphasis on impressiveness.

be qualified to

Highlights formal qualifications or specific expertise for a task.

be up to the task of

Focuses specifically on meeting the requirements of a particular challenge.

have what it takes to

Implies possessing the necessary qualities or attributes for success.

be equal to

Suggests being on par with or matching the demands of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be formidable enough to" in a sentence?

You can use "be formidable enough to" to express that something or someone possesses sufficient strength, skill, or power to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "The team needs to "be formidable enough to" win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "be formidable enough to"?

Alternatives include "be strong enough to", "be powerful enough to", or "be capable enough to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be formidable enough to"?

It is appropriate to use "be formidable enough to" when you want to highlight not just the ability to do something, but also the impressive nature of that ability, implying a level of strength or skill that inspires respect or even fear. Formal writing situations are best.

How does "be formidable enough to" differ from "be strong enough to"?

"Be strong enough to" focuses primarily on physical or inherent strength. "Be formidable enough to" encompasses a broader range of qualities including skill, power, and strategic advantage, suggesting an imposing presence or capability that goes beyond mere strength.