formidable difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or obstacle that is particularly challenging or daunting. Example: "The team faced a formidable difficulty in completing the project on time due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

No, it was just the formidable difficulty of a negotiation between mistrustful adversaries.

The New York Times

Beginning with his 1971 collection, "The Night Mirror: Poems," however, he adopted a more ambitious program, writing poetry of formidable difficulty, often in longer forms.

The New York Times - Books

The time may be ripe for Stevens in Britain, where his work has never quite had the appeal of Robert Frost or TS Eliot, in part because of its eccentric diction and formidable difficulty, both of which have been overemphasised.

The Guardian - Books

Even if the metaphysician were thus able to make good the negative side of his case, he would still face the formidable difficulty of establishing that there is something answering to his conception of what is ultimately real and of identifying it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The revision surgery is usually hard to manipulate due to the formidable difficulty of repairing the critical bone defect.

Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas

But the most fundamental and formidable difficulty was to explain how precisely an absolute unity (the first principle) could give rise to the obvious diversity of the intelligible and perceptible worlds.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Formidable difficulties faced the new king early in his reign.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even when the rules specifying the configuration are relatively simple, enumeration may sometimes present formidable difficulties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He acknowledged that any project would face formidable difficulties: "There is no sewer system, no working power system.

The Guardian

Hutton is right to rub the noses of starry-eyed western governments and investors in the formidable difficulties China faces.

The Guardian - Books

China also faces formidable difficulties in dealing with widespread corruption, a sclerotic political system, severe environmental damage, inefficient state-owned monopolies and other problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formidable difficulty", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is causing the difficulty and why it is considered formidable. Providing specific details enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable difficulty" when a simpler term like "challenge" or "problem" would suffice. Overusing strong adjectives can dilute their impact. Reserve "formidable" for genuinely significant obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable difficulty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "difficulty". It describes the nature or characteristic of the difficulty being discussed, emphasizing its challenging aspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a significantly challenging obstacle. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for formal contexts and serves to emphasize the magnitude of the challenge. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times, Encyclopedia Britannica and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the strong adjective "formidable" and provides specifics about the difficulty. Alternatives include "significant challenge" or "substantial obstacle", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid overusing "formidable" to maintain its impact. This phrase conveys information primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. The usage frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge" and "formidable" with "significant", softening the tone slightly.

substantial obstacle

Substitutes "difficulty" with "obstacle" and "formidable" with "substantial", highlighting the impedance aspect.

major hurdle

Replaces "difficulty" with "hurdle", implying a specific barrier to overcome, while "major" indicates importance.

considerable impediment

Uses "impediment" instead of "difficulty", emphasizing obstruction, and "considerable" for a notable degree.

tough problem

Simplifies the phrase using common words to describe a hard to solve situation.

serious complication

This emphasizes the troublesome aspect of the difficulty, suggesting potential negative consequences.

complex issue

Shifts the focus to complexity rather than difficulty, suitable when intricacy is the primary concern.

demanding task

Replaces "difficulty" with "task", framing it as a job that requires significant effort.

onerous undertaking

Presents the difficulty as a burden or something that is troublesome.

arduous endeavor

Highlights the sustained effort and struggle required to overcome the difficulty.

FAQs

What does "formidable difficulty" mean?

The phrase "formidable difficulty" refers to a challenge or obstacle that is exceptionally difficult to overcome due to its size, complexity, or intimidating nature.

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

You can use "formidable difficulty" to describe a challenging situation, such as "The project team faced a "formidable difficulty" in meeting the deadline due to unforeseen technical issues".

What are some synonyms for "formidable difficulty"?

Alternatives to "formidable difficulty" include "significant challenge", "substantial obstacle", or "major hurdle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "formidable difficulty" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "formidable difficulty" is suitable for formal writing and presentations, it might sound overly elaborate in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "tough problem" or "big challenge".