formidable friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"formidable friend" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a friend who is impressive, powerful, or inspiring in some way. An example could be: "She has always been a formidable friend, supporting me through thick and thin." Alternative expressions include "strong ally," "impressive companion," or "powerful supporter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Melvyn Bragg Broadcaster 'Harold is not only a remarkable and brilliant playwright, one of the very greatest, he's also a formidable friend.

The Guardian - Books

In her new novel, Bainbridge seeks to explore this long stretch of Johnson's existence as it appeared to Hester's namesake daughter, nicknamed Queeney, and sometimes called Sweeting by the Thrales' formidable friend.

The New York Times - Books

She draws a comparison with Evelyn Waugh, "a formidable friend" with whom Graham shared -- in addition to a gift for fiction, a respect for the language and a Catholic conversion -- some dire aspects of temper, in the force of an angry blue stare, and in an intermittent compulsion to wreak social and emotional havoc".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He's made formidable friends and powerful enemies.

Vice

Soon, you will find them becoming formidable friends to have alongside you.

WikiHow

Though described as less intimidating than her formidable mother, friends say she has inherited all of Annabel's business smarts.

The Guardian

Growing up, Hepburn had made the acquaintance of her mothers lesbian college friends, formidable aunts who were active in politics and the arts in the Greenwich Village of World War I and the 1920s.

The New York Times - Books

The documentation of the early life is thin, but Macdonald is able throughout to draw on the colourful testimony of his formidable mother, his friends, fellow musicians, a variety of female companions (Marley had nine or 10 children by six or seven different women) and later some businessmen, politicians and gangsters.

The Guardian - Film

Later, as the wealthy widow of Vincent Astor, Mrs. Astor hired her friend the formidable decorator Sister Parish, who excelled at imbuing upper-class clients' homes with impeccable taste, to design her Park Avenue apartment.

The New York Times

They include Mr. Strathairn Ms. Reaser Mary Lou Rosatoto, who plays Hermione's devoted friend, the formidable Paulina; the child actor Michael Reid, who plays Mamillius; and Barbara Garrick, whose Hermione comes more to life when she wakes from the dead than when she was first alive.

The New York Times

I will admit that, when I was discussing the original title a few weeks ago with a much younger friend, a formidable blogger and former colleague (who outed herself on Twitter), she, of course, knew from "The Decameron" but asked what "bop" means.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable friend" when you want to convey that a friend is not only supportive but also possesses impressive qualities such as strength, intelligence, or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable friend" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler adjective like "great" or "supportive" would be more appropriate. "Formidable" carries a certain weight and should be reserved for situations where it truly reflects the friend's impressive nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable friend" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. "Formidable" modifies "friend", adding a layer of intensity to describe the friend's qualities. As Ludwig points out, this describes someone inspiring respect or even awe.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable friend" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a friend with impressive qualities like strength or influence. Ludwig's analysis indicates its primary function is to emphasize these qualities, conveying admiration and respect. While appropriate in neutral contexts like news and media, it might be too formal for casual conversation. According to Ludwig, while there are only a few examples available, it suggests usage is rare but perfectly correct. Alternative phrases like "remarkable friend" or "powerful friend" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable friend

Emphasizes the friend's exceptional qualities and memorability, differing from "formidable" which focuses on strength or impressiveness.

powerful friend

Highlights the friend's influence and ability to provide support, shifting the focus from general impressiveness to influence.

strong ally

Focuses on the friend's supportive nature and reliability, differing from "formidable's" broader sense of impressiveness.

impressive companion

Similar to "formidable friend" but places a greater emphasis on the positive impression the friend makes.

influential friend

Highlights the friend's capacity to affect others, differing from "formidable's" general sense of strength and impressiveness.

terrific friend

Uses a more general adjective to describe the friend as excellent or wonderful, lacking the specific connotation of "formidable".

staunch supporter

Emphasizes the unwavering loyalty and dependability of the friend.

valued confidant

Highlights the trustworthiness and importance of the friend as someone to confide in, which is different than the sense of strength in 'formidable'.

resolute friend

Stresses the determination and unwavering nature of the friend, conveying a sense of steadfast support.

unwavering ally

Focuses on the friend's constant support and loyalty, differing from "formidable's" broader sense of impressiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable friend" to describe someone who is both a friend and possesses qualities that inspire respect or even awe. For example: "She has always been a "formidable friend", supporting me through every challenge."

What are some alternatives to "formidable friend"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "remarkable friend", "powerful friend", or "strong ally".

Is it appropriate to describe someone as a "formidable friend" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, using "formidable friend" might sound overly formal or dramatic in casual settings. Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using this phrase.

What distinguishes a "formidable friend" from simply a "good friend"?

A "good friend" is generally supportive and reliable. A "formidable friend" possesses additional qualities like strength, intelligence, or influence that make them particularly impressive or awe-inspiring.