formidable advantage over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable advantage over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or powerful benefit that one entity has compared to another in a competitive context. Example: "The new technology gives our company a formidable advantage over our competitors in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In a nutshell, Labour has a formidable advantage over the Tories on health, but scarcely more than a third of voters trust Ed Miliband's party on the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most dominant cable news channel for nearly a decade and a political force in its own right, Fox has seen its once formidable advantage over CNN erode in this presidential election year, as both CNN and MSNBC have added viewers at far more dramatic rates.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill had formidable advantages over Clement Attlee.

The New York Times

Public anxiety over mounting casualties in Iraq and doubts about long-term consequences of the war continue to rise and have helped to erase President Bush's once-formidable advantage over Sen. John F. Kerry concerning who is best able to deal with terrorist threats, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

The Washington Post

The Governor starts out with the formidable advantage of money.

The New York Times

The database has yielded the company a formidable advantage since most rivals lack a similar system.

Harvard Business Review

In such cases being an early mover can result in a formidable advantage.

Harvard Business Review

The Obama administration has been pushing China to let the renminbi rise against the dollar, which would erode some of China's formidable advantage in export markets.

The New York Times

But Clinton enters the race with a formidable advantage and a wealth of support built up by the Ready for Hillary campaign network.

The Guardian

Her name-recognition, in a district that has had a representative with the same surname since 1933, gives her a formidable advantage.

The Economist

Having almost zero user acquisition cost is a formidable advantage.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formidable advantage over", ensure that the context clearly establishes both the entity possessing the advantage and the entity being surpassed. For example, 'The company's patent gives them a "formidable advantage over" competitors.'

Common error

Avoid using "formidable advantage over" when the advantage is minor or insignificant. Using a weaker term like 'slight edge' would be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable advantage over" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, highlighting a significant and impactful superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showcasing examples where it effectively conveys a strong competitive edge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable advantage over" is a phrase used to describe a significant and powerful superiority. As Ludwig AI illustrates, its grammatical status is correct, and while it is not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, especially news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the advantage is genuinely substantial and not overstated. Alternative phrases like "significant edge over" can be used for less dramatic situations. This phrase is appropriate for describing situations where there's a clear and difficult-to-overcome lead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial advantage over

Highlights the largeness of the benefit.

distinct benefit over

Highlights a unique and clear advantage.

significant edge over

Emphasizes a clear but potentially not overwhelming benefit.

considerable lead over

Focuses on being ahead or in front.

marked superiority over

Focuses on a noticeable state of being better.

notable leverage over

Indicates increased influence or power.

decisive upper hand over

Implies control and a likely victory.

clear dominance over

Stresses a position of power and control.

paramount superiority over

Suggests an unmatched and supreme advantage.

prevailing strength over

Highlights dominance and ability to overcome obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "formidable advantage over" in a sentence?

You can use "formidable advantage over" to describe a significant and powerful benefit that one entity has over another. For example, "Their early adoption of AI gave them a "formidable advantage over" their rivals."

What are some alternatives to "formidable advantage over"?

You can use alternatives like "significant edge over", "substantial advantage over", or "clear dominance over" depending on the context.

Is "formidable advantage over" too strong of a phrase for minor benefits?

Yes, "formidable advantage over" implies a substantial and powerful benefit. For less significant advantages, consider using terms like "slight edge" or "small benefit".

What kind of situations is "formidable advantage over" suitable for?

"Formidable advantage over" is appropriate when describing scenarios where one entity has a clear and powerful superiority over another, typically due to resources, technology, or skill. It suggests a difficult-to-overcome lead.