formidable man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is inspiring fear or respect through his size, strength, or qualities. Example: "The general was a formidable man, commanding respect from both his troops and his enemies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A formidable man".

The New Yorker

After all, we have been watching — and probably enjoying — the sight of a formidable man in despair.

The New Yorker

He was a formidable man, athletic and strong, who never realized his true desires.

The New York Times - Books

"He's a formidable man, and I expect him to bring something unique to the role," she said.

The New York Times

He has used the platform of a reality television show, NBC's "The Apprentice," to burnish his pop-culture image as a formidable man of affairs.

The New York Times

Brought to New England as a slave when he was a boy, he grew into a formidable man, over six feet tall, 300 pounds, and amazingly strong.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A whole series of film monsters have attracted goggle-eyed audiences since the French pioneer Georges Méliès's formidable man-in-the-moon of 1902.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, do smaller, shorter, or less formidable men have to work harder to gain status?

University of California, Berkeley

They've worked on a bunch of productions (most famously Black Watch), and are formidable men (for formidable, read Yorkshire).

The Guardian

This ancestral regularity would have left its mark on modern men's intergroup psychology: more formidable men should still be more supportive of war.

Evolution and Human Behavior

After a career of helping formidable men, she could finally "be the sun," as Marilyn Katz, a friend, put it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "formidable man", ensure the context clarifies the source of their power or influence, whether it's physical prowess, intellectual capacity, or social standing. This adds depth and precision to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable man" solely to describe physically imposing characters without showcasing other aspects of their personality or skills. Over-reliance on this description can lead to a lack of nuance and originality in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable man" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "man", adding a layer of meaning that conveys a sense of power, respect, or even intimidation. The Ludwig examples showcase this descriptive usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable man" is a descriptive noun phrase used to characterize a man who inspires respect or fear due to his qualities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees common usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, it's important to ensure the context clearly showcases the source of this power or influence. Using alternatives like "imposing man" or "powerful man" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposing man

Emphasizes the man's physical presence and the impression he makes on others.

powerful man

Focuses on the man's influence and authority.

intimidating man

Highlights the man's ability to inspire fear or unease.

commanding man

Stresses the man's ability to lead and control situations.

impressive man

Indicates the man's admirable qualities and achievements.

redoubtable man

A more formal way of saying formidable, implying respect and perhaps a degree of fear.

dominant man

Focuses on the man's control and superiority in a given context.

forceful man

Highlights the man's assertiveness and determination.

influential man

Emphasizes the man's ability to affect the actions or opinions of others.

strong man

Focuses on the man's physical or mental strength.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as a "formidable man"?

Describing someone as a "formidable man" suggests they inspire respect or fear due to their strength, skill, or character. It implies they are not easily challenged or overcome.

What are some alternatives to saying "formidable man"?

You can use alternatives like "imposing man", "powerful man", or "intimidating man" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "formidable man" a positive or negative description?

The term "formidable man" is generally neutral but can lean towards positive or negative depending on the context. It often suggests respect for someone's abilities or strength, but it can also imply they are intimidating or difficult to deal with.

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

You can use "formidable man" in sentences like: "The general was a formidable man, respected by all his troops" or "Despite his age, he remained a formidable man in the business world".