formidable challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"formidable challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult problem or task. For example: "Facing such a formidable challenge, the team worked together to find a solution".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a pretty formidable challenge".

The New York Times

Now it faces a formidable challenge.

The Economist

Rotherham represent another formidable challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

This research presents a formidable challenge.

The New Yorker

The most formidable challenge comes from Sony.

The Economist

"It's a formidable challenge to preserve".

The New Yorker

Yet gene identification remains a formidable challenge.

Nature

Still, that can be a formidable challenge.

The New York Times

Atlético should present a formidable challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

But crafting great science journalism is a formidable challenge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A more formidable challenge is simply to read well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable challenge" to describe situations that require significant effort, skill, and resources to overcome. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "formidable challenge" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "daunting task" or "significant hurdle" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable challenge" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or task that is difficult and demanding. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. The examples show it describing difficulties in areas such as science, politics, and personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable challenge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a demanding situation or task. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. Its function is to emphasize the significance and difficulty of the challenge, and it's appropriate for neutral to formal contexts. While synonyms exist, such as "daunting task" or "significant hurdle", "formidable challenge" effectively conveys the magnitude of the difficulty. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting task

Replaces "challenge" with "task" and "formidable" with "daunting", emphasizing the difficulty.

significant hurdle

Substitutes "challenge" with "hurdle" and "formidable" with "significant", highlighting an obstacle to overcome.

major obstacle

Similar to "significant hurdle", but uses "obstacle" instead.

tough problem

Replaces "challenge" with the more common word "problem" and "formidable" with "tough", making it less formal.

complex issue

Focuses on the complexity of the situation rather than the difficulty, while maintaining a similar level of formality.

arduous undertaking

Uses more formal vocabulary like "arduous" and "undertaking" to emphasize the effort required.

severe test

Conveys the idea of a demanding situation that assesses one's abilities.

considerable difficulty

Highlights the degree of difficulty involved in the situation.

demanding endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and commitment required to complete the task.

uphill battle

An idiomatic expression that suggests a difficult and protracted struggle.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable challenge" to describe a difficult task or problem. For example, "Reaching a consensus on climate change policy presents a "formidable challenge" for international leaders."

What are some alternatives to "formidable challenge"?

Alternatives include "daunting task", "significant hurdle", or "major obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "formidable challenge" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it fits the overall tone. More formal alternatives, such as "arduous undertaking", might be more suitable in certain cases.

What makes a challenge "formidable"?

A "formidable challenge" is one that is difficult to overcome due to its complexity, scale, or the resources required. It suggests that the challenge is significant and requires a determined effort to address.