formidable capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe impressive or powerful skills, abilities, or features of a person, organization, or technology. Example: "The new software boasts formidable capabilities that can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For this exact reason it has been argued that even with its formidable capabilities, the Israeli Defense Force does not possess the capacity to successfully achieve this objective on its own.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She says the police have "a formidable capability".

The Guardian

But in 2008, ISRO translated its formidable capability to build and launch satellites toward exploration and send a probe to the Moon, Chandrayaan-1.

BBC

The combined operational and engineering expertise vested in Sasol represents a formidable capability in the field of coal and gasification science.

International Journal of Coal Geology

Married to competent SAM systems and radar-guided guns, it seems to represent a formidable capability.

Huffington Post

The underlying cortical coding mechanisms responsible for the formidable capability of rodents to distinguish texture coarseness have been studied extensively, mainly in granular and infra-granular cortical layers using multi- and single-unit recordings (Guic-Robles et al., 1992; Arabzadeh et al., 2003, 2006; von Heimendahl et al., 2007; Diamond et al., 2008a; Morita et al., 2011).

eLife

Without NATO's enabling machinery and the formidable American capabilities on which it rests, the war would have been a much-more fraught affair.

The New York Times

He said the country had gained formidable procurement capabilities through growing commercial ties between its state-run trading companies and private Chinese companies.

The New York Times

This is largely because Assad and his supporters control formidable military capabilities, which include, unlike in Iraq or Libya, chemical weapons and ballistic missile systems.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while China is far away from becoming a global military power, US defence experts have noted that China has been able to concentrate formidable military capabilities in its own backyard.

BBC

Life Story's booted racket-tail hummingbird (Ocreatus underwoodii) uses its formidable flying capabilities to slip past its larger relatives unnoticed, winning the competition for the best flowers despite its tiny size.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable capabilities" to describe an entity's impressive strengths or abilities, especially in contexts where those abilities are crucial for success or dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable capabilities" in overly casual or informal settings; it can sound unnecessarily grandiose. Opt for simpler terms like "great skills" or "strong abilities" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable capabilities" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'formidable' modifies 'capabilities', indicating that the capabilities are impressive and potentially intimidating. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is often used to highlight significant strengths.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable capabilities" is a descriptive phrase used to highlight significant and impressive strengths or abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, science, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "impressive abilities" or "powerful strengths" in more informal contexts. Remember to use "formidable capabilities" when you want to emphasize the impact and importance of someone or something's capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impressive abilities

Focuses on the skill and talent involved.

powerful strengths

Highlights the inherent strengths and might.

significant potential

Emphasizes future possibilities and growth.

remarkable proficiency

Stresses the high level of skill and expertise.

exceptional competence

Underscores the capability to perform effectively.

superior aptitude

Highlights natural talent and capacity.

outstanding skill set

Emphasizes a collection of highly developed skills.

considerable expertise

Focuses on the depth of knowledge and experience.

substantial resources

Highlights the availability of significant resources.

potent arsenal

Draws attention to a powerful set of tools or assets.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable capabilities" to describe someone's impressive skills or strengths. For example: "The company's "formidable capabilities" in research and development allowed them to create groundbreaking products."

What are some alternatives to "formidable capabilities"?

You can use alternatives like "impressive abilities", "powerful strengths", or "significant potential" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "formidable capabilities" in formal writing?

Yes, "formidable capabilities" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant strengths or abilities in a professional or academic context. Its use should align with the overall tone and register of the writing.

What makes "formidable capabilities" different from "strong skills"?

"Formidable capabilities" implies a more impressive and potentially overwhelming level of skill or ability than simply "strong skills". "Formidable" adds a sense of awe or respect to the capabilities being described.