formidable adversary

USAGE SUMMARY

"formidable adversary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that presents a significant challenge. For example, "I was greatly impressed by my opponent's formidable adversary in the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Karl is a formidable adversary".

The New York Times

He'll be a formidable adversary".

The New York Times - Sports

He would indeed be a formidable adversary.

The New Yorker

"He's fair and honorable but a formidable adversary".

The New York Times

His most formidable adversary is a Soviet master spy, Karla.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certainly she has a formidable adversary in Mr. Darragh's Tom.

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

No Scot knows more about challenging his nation's most formidable adversary.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times - Arts

For an initial case, the Securities Exchange Board could not have picked a more formidable adversary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that involves multiple challenges, reserve "formidable adversary" for the most significant and respected opponent to highlight their importance.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable adversary" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone might seem out of place and overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable adversary" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "adversary". It describes a person, group, or entity that presents a significant challenge, often implying respect for their capabilities. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable adversary" is a well-established and frequently used expression to describe a challenging opponent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its primary function is to convey not only the difficulty but also the respect and admiration for the opponent's capabilities. While primarily found in news, encyclopedic, and business sources, its formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversation. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "tough opponent" or "challenging rival" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough opponent

Replaces "formidable" with a more general term for difficulty, reducing the intensity of the challenge.

challenging rival

Substitutes both "formidable" and "adversary" with synonyms that emphasize competition and difficulty.

daunting competitor

Emphasizes the intimidating nature of the opponent, similar to "formidable", but focuses on a competitive context.

serious contender

Highlights the potential for success of the opponent, implying a significant threat.

redoubtable foe

Uses a more archaic and literary synonym for "formidable", increasing the formality and intensity.

imposing antagonist

Focuses on the impressive and often intimidating nature of the opposing force or person.

powerful opposition

Shifts the focus to the strength of the opposing side, rather than the individual.

fierce combatant

Highlights the intensity and aggressiveness of the opponent in a conflict.

significant threat

Emphasizes the potential danger posed by the opponent, focusing on the consequences.

major obstacle

Reinterprets the adversary as an impediment to overcome, rather than a direct opponent.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable adversary" to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge, like "The defending champion proved to be a "formidable adversary" in the chess tournament."

What are some alternatives to "formidable adversary"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tough opponent", "challenging rival", or "serious contender".

Is it appropriate to use "formidable adversary" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "formidable adversary" is more suited for formal writing or situations where you want to convey respect and admiration for the opponent's capabilities. In informal settings, simpler terms like "tough opponent" might be more appropriate.

What makes someone a "formidable adversary"?

A "formidable adversary" is someone or something that possesses significant strength, skill, or resources, making them a difficult and worthy opponent. The term implies respect for their capabilities and the challenge they present.