formidable help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable help" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe assistance that is impressive or significant in its effectiveness or impact. Example: "The team received formidable help from the experienced consultant, which greatly improved their project outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He has had public spats with his brother, whose support is by no means guaranteed, but his family name and connections could provide formidable help even without the incumbent.

The Guardian

A formidable help in addressing controversial issues comes from the periodical meta-analysis of all randomised trials worldwide by the EBCTCG.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His formidable machine helped win Mr Kirchner 22% of the vote.

The Economist

In this one from the 16th century, the Low Countries are portrayed as a formidable lion (helped out by the geography of the Dutch coast).

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a measure of Creskoff 's brilliance that she finds deep pathos in the role; her formidable technique helps her root "Hung," now in its second season, in a near-farcical reality.

The New Yorker

Mr Shan's formidable connections helped Newbridge also to gain control over management, a first for a foreign investor in a Chinese bank.Mao Zedong's purges halted Mr Shan's formal education at the age of 12.

The Economist

It verged on the formidable, not helped by the fact that, once the sisters were grown up and settled in England, they often continued to converse among themselves in Hindustani.

The New Yorker

A member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, he was an outstanding pass-catcher, a powerful runner and a formidable blocker, helping to take the Philadelphia Eagles to two consecutive National Football League championships in the 1940s.

The New York Times - Sports

In the end, he fought all the way to the United States Supreme Court, where his formidable skills helped win a groundbreaking decision, Moore v. Dempsey, that set the stage for his clients' eventual release.

The New York Times - Books

Although his reputation as a formidable dancer helped launch his career as a choreographer -- he holds a 1995 Bessie (New York Dance and Performance Award) and the 1996 Dancer of the Year prize in Caracas -- he has been in no hurry to create big works.

The New York Times - Arts

This compilation of expressions, heard straight from the horse's mouth – terrifying PRs and formidable editors — will help you combat expert cattiness and have you screaming "comme c'est vulgaire!'' in no time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable help" when you want to emphasize the impressive or significant nature of the assistance provided. It conveys a sense of strength and effectiveness.

Common error

While "formidable" adds emphasis, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "significant" or "substantial" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable help" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "help". Ludwig AI confirms that it’s used to describe assistance that is impressive or powerful. The adjective intensifies the noun, emphasizing the strength or effectiveness of the help.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable help" is a phrase used to describe assistance that is particularly effective or powerful. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable and correct in English, though it may not be very common. It's grammatically sound, with "formidable" acting as an adjective modifying "help". The phrase is suitable for various contexts, but more often found in News & Media and Science contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider "significant assistance" or "substantial support" for similar meaning. Using "formidable" in informal contexts may sound unnatural, so choose simpler alternatives. The phrase effectively communicates the strength and impact of the assistance provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant assistance

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the help provided.

substantial support

Highlights the amount and reliability of the assistance.

considerable aid

Focuses on the extent and usefulness of the help.

powerful assistance

Stresses the strength and effectiveness of the help.

major contribution

Highlights the importance and value of the help as a contribution to something.

valuable support

Focuses on the worth and usefulness of the help.

notable contribution

Highlights that the assistance is noticeable or worthy of attention.

tremendous assistance

Emphasizes the great size or scale of the help.

exceptional aid

Highlights the unusual or outstanding quality of the help.

invaluable support

Stresses that the support is too valuable to measure; indispensable.

FAQs

What does "formidable help" mean?

The phrase "formidable help" refers to assistance that is impressively effective or significant, implying strength and substantial impact.

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

You might say, "The project received "significant assistance" from the consultants, which was "valuable support" to its success."

What are some alternatives to "formidable help"?

You can use alternatives like ""significant assistance"", "substantial support", or "considerable aid" depending on the context.

Is "formidable help" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "formidable help" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize the impressive and effective nature of the assistance. However, consider simpler terms like ""valuable support"" or "major contribution" if the tone requires less emphasis.