formidable market

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable market" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a market which is surprisingly large, powerful, or challenging. For example, "Apple is facing a formidable market in the smartphone industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Hotels are now focused on this as a very formidable market," he said.

The New York Times

There are thousands of book publishers, but the recorded-music industry is dominated by five big firms, which therefore wield formidable market power.On the other hand, record companies have their own weaknesses when it comes to selling directly to the public.

The Economist

Still, while companies complain, many economists, market analysts and even government regulators see as something bordering on heroic the Wal-Mart effort to use its formidable market share to start its own brands and to break up monopolies in price-inflated categories.

The New York Times

And, with the cooking finished came the highlight of the class -- for me, not lunch (although it was delicious) but a guided trip into that formidable market, where Ms. de la Vega explained the fine points of distinguishing a chile ancho from a chile pasilla (the pasilla is smoked, smaller and darker), and guided us to some of the friendlier vendors.

The New York Times - Travel

You can think it idiotic that the BBC discontinued Moira Stuart's contract, but unless the old are recognised as a formidable market, and one which wants to see itself on screen (I'm not sure that Bruce Forsyth really helps here), most TV will go on being dominated by the young and fair.

The Guardian - Books

When we talk of taking on a formidable market to make it more liberating, delightful, and human, this can be a joyful footnote in the narrative.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The firm has already cranked up its formidable marketing machine.

The Economist

Only formidable marketing can overcome such barriers and create a profitable niche for the Smart car.

The Economist

The joint debut offers Barnesandnoble.com a chance to benefit from Microsoft's formidable marketing strength.

The New York Times

By mobilizing its formidable marketing resources, G.M. has piqued interest in the Volt.

The New York Times

In purchasing GLG, the firm hoped to use its formidable marketing operation to sell more product to investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable market" to convey a sense of respect or challenge when describing a market's characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable market" when you simply mean a "large market". "Formidable" implies a challenge or something impressive, not just size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable market" typically functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "market". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence to describe the nature or characteristics of a particular market, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable market" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a market characterized by challenges, competitiveness, or significant power. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, predominantly found in news and business media. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates the substantial nature of a market that demands respect and strategic consideration. When using this phrase, ensure it truly reflects a market's challenging or impressive qualities, rather than just its size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging market

Focuses on the difficulty presented by the market.

imposing market

Similar to "formidable", suggesting a market that commands respect.

competitive market

Highlights the level of competition within the market.

dominant market

Emphasizes the market's leading position.

powerful market

Stresses the market's influence and strength.

substantial market

Highlights the market's considerable size or value.

significant market

Emphasizes the market's importance.

major market

Indicates a market of considerable size and influence.

lucrative market

Implies the market is profitable.

thriving market

Suggests a market that is actively growing and successful.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable market" to describe a market that is challenging, competitive, or influential. For example, "Entering the electric vehicle industry means facing a "formidable market" dominated by established brands".

What are some alternatives to "formidable market"?

Alternatives include "competitive market", "dominant market", or "challenging market", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say a market is "formidable"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a market that inspires respect or is difficult to penetrate. The word "formidable" suggests that the market presents significant obstacles or is impressively strong.

What is the difference between a "large market" and a "formidable market"?

A "large market" simply indicates size, while a "formidable market" implies that the market is not only large but also presents challenges due to competition, regulations, or other factors.