formidable competitor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable competitor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that poses a significant challenge or threat in a competitive context, such as business or sports. Example: "The new startup has quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he was still a formidable competitor.

The New York Times

And Samsung is a formidable competitor.

The New York Times - Tech

Secondly, Mr Arnault is a formidable competitor.

The Guardian - Business

Zagat.com is its most formidable competitor on the information side.

The New York Times

Still, the 2017 Q7 is a formidable competitor.

The New York Times

"The Angelika is a formidable competitor," Mr. Nye said.

The New York Times

"Beneteau is a very formidable competitor," he said.

The New York Times

Google's deep pockets could make Nest a formidable competitor.

The Guardian - Tech

Fracking, as it is known, has turned gas into a formidable competitor.

The New York Times

It has since turned the system into a formidable competitor to iOS.

The Economist

If it extends that experiment, it could become a formidable competitor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "formidable competitor", provide specific examples of their strengths or past achievements to underscore their challenging nature.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable competitor" repeatedly within the same text. Vary your language with synonyms like "strong rival" or "tough contender" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable competitor" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "competitor". It describes a competitor who is strong, impressive, and difficult to defeat. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable competitor" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an opponent that poses a significant challenge. As Ludwig AI indicates, its frequent use across various reputable sources, including news media, business publications, and scientific articles, highlights its versatility and broad applicability. While alternatives like "strong rival" or "tough contender" exist, "formidable competitor" emphasizes not only strength but also the respect or even apprehension the competitor inspires. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific examples of the competitor's strengths to underscore their challenging nature, while avoiding overuse to maintain reader engagement. Therefore, "formidable competitor" is a valuable phrase for clearly and effectively conveying the intensity of competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong rival

Focuses on the aspect of rivalry and strength, omitting the sense of inspiring fear or respect.

tough contender

Emphasizes the difficulty in defeating the competitor, minimizing the impression of power.

powerful adversary

Highlights the power and antagonistic nature of the competitor.

major threat

Underscores the potential danger posed by the competitor.

significant challenger

Focuses on the act of challenging and the importance of the competitor.

serious threat

Emphasizes the severity of the threat posed.

leading competitor

Highlights the competitor's position in the market or competition.

chief rival

Indicates the primary opponent in a competitive environment.

principal challenger

Stresses the challenger's prominence.

dominant force

Highlights the overwhelming power of the competitor.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable competitor" to describe a person or entity that presents a significant challenge in a competitive environment. For instance, "The new company quickly became a "formidable competitor" in the industry".

What are some alternatives to "formidable competitor"?

Alternatives include "strong rival", "tough contender", or "powerful adversary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable competitor" a formal or informal expression?

"Formidable competitor" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, business reports, and even casual discussions.

What makes a competitor "formidable"?

A "formidable competitor" typically possesses a combination of strengths, resources, and strategic advantages that make them difficult to overcome. This could include financial strength, technological innovation, or a strong market presence.