formidable about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable about" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where someone is expressing a strong opinion or feeling about a particular subject, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "She was formidable about her stance on environmental issues, always advocating for change."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By July the flow had slowed but was still formidable — about 900 migrants a day — and authorities struggled to house and care for the migrants.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A few dozen candidates had entered the race, and a couple of especially formidable ones were about to declare.

The New Yorker

By 1930, 30 ascensores had been built to shuttle residents up and down Valparaíso's formidable hills; about half still function.

The New York Times - Travel

In sexy, affluent Hamburg, the Staatsoper is staging a formidable show about a sexy, affluent city bent on its own destruction.

The Guardian - Books

"I don't know what happened," said Mr. Feinstein, 47, who accumulated some of his formidable knowledge about American popular music while working as Ira Gershwin's assistant for six years.

The New York Times

This is perhaps one of the most formidable parts about parenting - the struggle between throwing down the gauntlet, honoring the change in our children, recognizing the growth they've made from preschool to high school, and taking that deep breath, holding it for just a second, and releasing it with a quiet, "yes".

Huffington Post

What strikes you is that while these films are about tough guys, they are even more about formidable and complex women.

The Guardian

Among the best of his feature films, one can sample "Taste of Cherry" (1997), in which a formidable-looking man, wandering about in his car, tries to induce strangers to help him commit suicide, and two witty movies that examine the relationship between cinema and reality.

The New Yorker

But even that formidable Caddy costs about $15,000 more than the 300.

The New York Times

Following the critical and commercial success of Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn is to write another dark crime thriller about formidable women – this time with Steve McQueen.

The Guardian - Film

A combination of the tax practices at Deloitte and Andersen would create a formidable competitor with about $2.2 billion in revenue, making it the largest tax business among the Big Five firms, Mr. Bowman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formidable about", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the subject or person formidable in relation to the topic. For example, "She was formidable about her research, having spent years dedicated to the project."

Common error

Avoid using "formidable about" to simply mean "knowledgeable" or "interested". "Formidable" implies a sense of power, skill, or imposing presence. If the subject doesn't possess these qualities in relation to the topic, choose a different adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, followed by a preposition. This construction describes someone or something possessing impressive qualities in relation to a particular subject. The Ludwig AI mentions that the phrase is not commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable about" is a relatively rare phrase used to describe someone or something with impressive qualities in relation to a specific subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's not a common phrase. When using "formidable about", consider the specific context and ensure the subject truly embodies the sense of power, skill, or imposing presence that the word "formidable" implies. While grammatically acceptable, it's crucial to select the most precise and commonly understood phrasing for effective communication. If the intention is only to convey knowledge or interest, alternatives like "knowledgeable about" or "passionate about" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forceful about

Highlights the strength with which an opinion is expressed.

strong regarding

Focuses on strength but lacks the nuance of "formidable".

fierce regarding

Similar to "intense regarding", possibly with a more aggressive connotation.

intense regarding

Highlights the intensity of feeling or opinion but doesn't necessarily imply expertise or power.

resolute regarding

Indicates determination and unwavering stance, but may not imply power or expertise.

knowledgeable about

Emphasizes knowledge rather than strength or intensity.

unyielding on

Suggests a firm and inflexible position, but doesn't speak to skill or knowledge.

well-versed in

Similar to "knowledgeable about", focusing on familiarity and understanding.

passionate about

Highlights strong feelings but not necessarily competence or power.

ardent about

Emphasizes enthusiasm and zeal, but may lack the connotation of skill or power.

FAQs

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

Use "formidable about" to describe someone or something possessing impressive qualities, like skill or expertise, in relation to a specific subject. Example: "She was "formidable about" her legal knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "formidable about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "knowledgeable about", "forceful about", or "passionate about".

What does "formidable" actually mean?

"Formidable" means inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable. It carries a stronger connotation than simply being good at something.

Is it better to say "formidable in" or "formidable about"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "formidable in" usually refers to a field or area of expertise (e.g., "formidable in mathematics"), while "formidable about" refers to a specific subject or opinion (e.g., "formidable about her beliefs").