formidable influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a powerful or strong effect that someone or something has on a person, situation, or outcome. Example: "The author's formidable influence on modern literature is evident in the works of many contemporary writers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

She gained formidable influence during the Republican-dominated 1980s.

The New York Times

After her death, Evita remained a formidable influence in Argentine politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prune quickly morphed from adorable notion into formidable influence, a small restaurant with a large footprint.

The New York Times - Food

Grass-roots pressure from such groups is a formidable influence on Congress.

The New York Times

Trade experts say the big pharmaceutical companies have formidable influence on the issue of drug exports.

The New York Times

But Mr. Mehta is a take-charge type who will surely exert his formidable influence on overall policies and programming.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But the Byrds brought new, formidable influences to folk and pop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(McGuinn had been a member of the Chad Mitchell Trio and a sideman for Judy Collins Clarkk had been a member of the New Christy Minstrels). But the Byrds brought new, formidable influences to folk and pop.

Britannica

His formidable political influence includes a network of support inherited from his father, a hero of the 1949 revolution.

The New York Times

Even so, the achievements embodied in his published works and recordings are formidable, and his influence was incalculable.

The New York Times - Arts

His sturdy volume of collected poems, "Some Jazz a While," was published in 1999 and confirmed his status as a poet of formidable gifts and influence.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formidable influence", ensure the subject exerting the influence possesses clear authority, power, or significance. This strengthens the credibility of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable influence" when the effect is minor or unproven. Reserve it for situations where the impact is genuinely substantial and verifiable.

Linguistic Context

Formidable influence functions as a noun phrase, where 'formidable' modifies 'influence' to denote a strong and significant effect. It describes the extent or degree to which someone or something impacts a person, situation, or outcome, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable influence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a strong and significant effect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it denotes authority and impact, making it appropriate for neutral to formal registers. When using this phrase, ensure the influencing entity genuinely holds considerable power. Alternatives such as "significant impact" or "powerful effect" can be considered for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant impact

Replaces "formidable" with "significant," focusing on the importance of the effect.

powerful effect

Emphasizes the strength of the effect rather than the authority behind it.

major influence

Substitutes "formidable" with "major," indicating a large degree of influence.

strong impact

Highlights the intensity of the effect.

considerable influence

Indicates a notable amount of influence.

substantial effect

Replaces "influence" with "effect," emphasizing the result.

marked impact

Highlights the visibility and noticeability of the effect.

dominant influence

Stresses the controlling or prevailing nature of the influence.

preponderant influence

Focuses on the superiority and weight of the influence.

pronounced effect

Emphasizes how clearly the effect can be noticed.

FAQs

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

Use "formidable influence" to describe a person, idea, or entity that has a strong and impactful effect on something or someone. For example: "The church continued to grow in wealth and prestige, becoming a "formidable influence" in Philippine politics".

What are some alternatives to "formidable influence"?

You can use alternatives like "significant impact", "powerful effect", or "major influence" depending on the context.

What does "formidable influence" mean?

"Formidable influence" refers to a strong or powerful effect exerted by someone or something, often implying a sense of respect or even awe due to the scale or impact of that effect.

Is "formidable influence" a positive or negative term?

The term "formidable influence" is generally neutral, but its connotation can shift depending on the context. It can be positive if the influence leads to beneficial outcomes, or negative if it results in undesirable effects.