formidable figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'formidable figure' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as an adjective to describe a person who appears intimidating, strong, impressive, or awe-inspiring. For example, "The Prime Minister is a formidable figure in the world of politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a much more formidable figure.

The Economist

Oates is a formidable figure in American fiction.

Princeton University

At eighty-five, L'Engle is a formidable figure.

The New Yorker

At thirty-four, he was a formidable figure.

The New Yorker

Inigo Martinez cuts a formidable figure in central defense.

The New York Times

A formidable figure both physically and intellectually, he argued his case with vigour and relish.

The Guardian

A tall, broad man with jet black hair, he is a formidable figure.

The Times

Furlong describes Taylor as a formidable figure: "She was in her St.

The New Yorker

As incarnated by Luis Gnecco in Pablo Larraín's "Neruda," he strikes a formidable figure.

The New Yorker

This is especially true of Ms. Alexander's Christine, who is not a terribly formidable figure.

The New York Times

By the 1990s Tumim was already a formidable figure in the charity world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable figure" when you want to convey a sense of respect and perhaps a degree of intimidation. It's often appropriate for describing leaders, experts, or individuals who have achieved a significant status.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable figure" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler, more relatable descriptors in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable figure" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically identifies an individual who inspires respect, awe, or even intimidation due to their power, influence, or achievements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable figure" is a well-established and frequently used expression to describe individuals who command respect and attention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it conveys a sense of authority and influence. While alternatives such as "impressive individual" or "powerful presence" exist, "formidable figure" retains a unique ability to denote both admiration and a slight sense of challenge or intimidation. When writing, consider the formality of your context and choose accordingly to ensure the phrase resonates appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force to be reckoned with

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone or something should be taken seriously.

imposing character

Focuses on the physical or personality traits that make someone appear grand or intimidating.

impressive individual

Replaces "formidable" with "impressive", focusing on the positive admiration the person evokes.

major contender

Implies someone or something that is a serious competitor or threat.

powerful presence

Shifts from describing the person to their impact, emphasizing their influence and strength.

significant player

Indicates someone who has a notable role or influence in a particular field or situation.

dominant personality

Highlights the person's controlling or influential nature in social or professional settings.

remarkable person

Emphasizes the unusual or exceptional qualities that make someone stand out.

towering intellect

Emphasizes intellectual prowess, suggesting a high level of intelligence and knowledge.

leading light

Suggests someone who is an inspiration or guide to others, often due to their expertise or achievements.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable figure" to describe someone who is impressive and perhaps intimidating, such as, "The CEO is a "formidable figure" in the tech industry."

What is a less formal way to say "formidable figure"?

For a less formal alternative, you could say "impressive person", "powerful individual", or "strong personality" depending on the specific context.

What distinguishes a "formidable figure" from simply a "strong leader"?

While a strong leader may be admired for their competence and decision-making, a "formidable figure" often carries an additional aura of authority, perhaps even inspiring some degree of awe or fear.

Is "formidable figure" only used to describe people?

While primarily used to describe people, "formidable" can occasionally describe entities or concepts that present a significant challenge or threat. However, ""formidable figure"" is almost exclusively applied to individuals.