formidable intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It means having a powerful and impressive level of intelligence. You can use this phrase when describing someone's intellectual abilities, accomplishments, or potential. It can also be used to describe an impressive level of mental prowess or capacity, such as in a work of fiction or a philosophical discussion. Example: "Despite her young age, Sarah possessed a formidable intelligence that left her classmates in awe. She excelled in all her subjects and was a natural problem solver, making her a top student in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This biography portrays her in all her ambition, audacity and formidable intelligence.

The New York Times - Books

Mrs Coulter is not just a pretty face; she possesses a trained, formidable intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

I think she's a warm, funny and caring person of formidable intelligence.

The New York Times

I have known him for years; he is a cosmopolitan of eager charm, formidable intelligence, and limited humor.

The New Yorker

He doesn't indulge himself by comparing his own formidable intelligence to President Bush's more modest gifts in that department.

The New Yorker

Assassinations of Iraqi government officials, including senior security officials, and ambushes of security forces reveal a formidable intelligence apparatus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The Internet can be a formidable intelligence-gathering tool for spotting potential dissidents.

The New York Times

Polley herself, who had a long career as a child and teen actor before moving behind the camera with Away From Her, is one of the more formidable intelligences at work in cinema today: you can read the Observer's recent interview with her here.

The Guardian - Film

It can be a formidable intelligence-gathering tool to spot potential dissidents.

Huffington Post

"First Cousin Once Removed" A portrait of a once-formidable intelligence descending into the abyss of Alzheimer's that is heartbreaking and unexpectedly heartening.

Los Angeles Times

They provide a fresh glimpse of his formidable formal intelligence without betraying his essentially populist sensibility.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable intelligence" to describe someone whose intellectual abilities are not only high but also impressive and capable of achieving significant outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable intelligence" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very smart" or "highly intelligent" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable intelligence" serves as a descriptive attribute, typically functioning as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe a powerful and impressive level of intellect. The phrase enhances the description of individuals, skills, or even systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Books

23%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable intelligence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a strong and impressive level of intellect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media and book publications, indicating its suitability for formal and serious discourse. When using the phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure the tone remains appropriate. While you can use alternatives such as "exceptional intellect" or "powerful intellect", the phrase "formidable intelligence" adds a specific emphasis on the strength and impact of intellectual capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful intellect

Directly conveys strength and influence of one's intellect.

brilliant mind

Conveys exceptional intelligence in a concise and impactful way.

exceptional intellect

Emphasizes the rarity and superiority of the intellect.

remarkable cognitive ability

Focuses specifically on cognitive skills and their noteworthiness.

outstanding intellectual capacity

Emphasizes the potential and capability of the intellect.

astounding mental acuity

Highlights the sharpness and quickness of the mind.

profound insight

Highlights the depth and penetrative nature of one's understanding.

acute understanding

Focuses on the depth and precision of comprehension.

high level of intelligence

A more straightforward and less emphatic way to express the same idea.

superior reasoning skills

Specifies the logical and analytical aspects of intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable intelligence" to describe someone's impressive intellectual capabilities. For example, "The scientist's formidable intelligence allowed her to solve complex problems."

What can I say instead of "formidable intelligence"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptional intellect", "powerful intellect", or "brilliant mind" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "formidable intelligence" in a formal context?

Yes, "formidable intelligence" is suitable for formal contexts such as academic papers, professional reports, and serious discussions where you want to emphasize someone's significant intellectual abilities.

What distinguishes "formidable intelligence" from simply being "intelligent"?

"Formidable intelligence" implies not only a high level of intelligence but also that this intelligence is impressive, powerful, and capable of influencing outcomes. It suggests a level of intellect that commands respect and attention.