formidable experience

USAGE SUMMARY

“formidable experience” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience that is difficult or intimidating. For example: “Climbing to the top of the mountain was a formidable experience, but one I will never forget.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The news release lists Ms. Koch's admirable and formidable experience in the public sector.

The New York Times

On the economic issues to be discussed today, Mr. Cheney brings formidable experience and expertise.

The New York Times

If they get the full measure of it as the run progresses, it will become a formidable experience indeed.

The Guardian - Music

In a new run, he would have brought old strengths too, however, including his formidable experience and ability as a retail campaigner.

The Guardian

Mr. Addington, who drafted the order with Mr. Flanigan, was particularly influential, several officials said, because he represented Mr. Cheney and brought formidable experience in national-security law to a small circle of senior officials.

The New York Times

The current UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, described him as a respected statesman and scholar of international law who brought "formidable experience and intellectual power" to the job.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Watson's caddie, Ted Scott, once revealed that meeting his employer's father represented one of the most formidable experiences of his life.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather, my point is that she, like her party, has grown more formidable with experience.

The Guardian

But it is an exercise that the Clinton camp had wanted to avoid.Mrs Clinton remains a formidable candidate an experienced and intelligent politician, backed by a state-of-the-art political machine.

The Economist

In the Heat of the Moment, the lead single from Chasing Yesterday, a bombastic anthem meticulously calibrated by this master craftsman to resound around the world's arenas, can't help but sound formidable when experienced at close quarters in a room over a pub.

The Guardian - Music

Sources said Cameron had been impressed by Dannatt's "formidable" record and experience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable experience" to highlight an experience that is both substantial and potentially challenging or intimidating, emphasizing its significance and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable experience" to describe everyday or mundane situations. The word "formidable" implies a significant challenge or impact, so it's best reserved for experiences that genuinely stand out in their intensity or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable experience" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "experience". Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and suitable for use. It describes an experience that is substantial, significant, and potentially challenging.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable experience" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe an event or situation that is significant, challenging, and impactful. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts, highlighting its professional utility. While alternatives like "powerful experience" or "substantial experience" may be used depending on the specific nuance desired, "formidable experience" effectively conveys a sense of importance and intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful experience

Focuses on the impact and influence of the experience.

substantial experience

Emphasizes the significance and amount of experience.

considerable experience

Highlights the extensive nature and value of the experience.

impressive experience

Focuses on the admirable and noteworthy qualities of the experience.

significant experience

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the experience.

intense experience

Highlights the high degree of emotion or energy involved.

challenging experience

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the experience.

daunting experience

Emphasizes the intimidating or overwhelming aspect of the experience.

memorable experience

Highlights that the experience is worthy of being remembered.

unforgettable experience

Emphasizes the lasting impact and unique nature of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable experience" to describe a past event that was challenging or intimidating, such as, "Navigating the legal system as a refugee was a "formidable experience"."

What are some alternatives to "formidable experience"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "powerful experience", "substantial experience", or "challenging experience".

Is it always positive to have a "formidable experience"?

Not necessarily. While the phrase acknowledges the significance and impact of the experience, it doesn't inherently imply positivity. It can also refer to a difficult or intimidating situation that one has overcome.

What's the difference between "formidable experience" and "notable experience"?

While both phrases describe significant events, "formidable experience" emphasizes the challenging or intimidating nature of the event, whereas "notable experience" simply highlights that the event is worthy of attention or recognition.