formidable number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or impressive quantity of something, often conveying a sense of respect or awe. Example: "The team faced a formidable number of challenges during the project, but they persevered and succeeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Considering the formidable number of Japanese string players making their marks on the world's stages, it should surprise no one that four of them have banded to gether into an excellent quartet.

The New York Times

The floods submerged large swaths of the Czech Republic, leaving broad ribbons of destruction, including hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the country's cultural fabric, though a formidable number of artworks were saved during the pandemonium.

The New York Times - Books

There were "blue pills" and "white pills", and he alludes to a formidable number of casual sexual encounters that destroyed his first marriage to childhood sweetheart Mary Burgoyne, to his bitter regret.

The Guardian - Music

Polls around the state in recent days have shown varied results, but have agreed on the main points: About three-fifths of the voters want Governor Davis out of office, a formidable number to overcome in such a short election.

The New York Times

The bombing of London, Coventry, Liverpool, and other cities went on for several months, but it had the immediate benefit for the RAF of relieving the pressure on Number 11 Group and also bringing more German bomber formations into the sectors of the formidable Number 12 Group.

Britannica

Europe's competition regulator has told Universal Music that its £1.2bn bid to buy EMI faces a formidable number of hurdles to gain clearance – with the watchdog raising concern over the combined company's potential domination of The Voice and other TV shows, the price of digital music and dominance of its acts on radio and elsewhere.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Those are not formidable numbers.

The New York Times

Bishop Blake brings formidable numbers to the fray.

The New York Times

Though a precise tally is elusive, Basques once roamed Idaho's sheep ranges in formidable numbers.

The New York Times - Travel

His final season ended with 26 goals from 53 appearances, still formidable numbers considering the distraction of his imminent move to Real.

The Guardian - Sport

The process requires formidable numbers of skilled workers who can oversee quality control as well as labeling and shipping of garments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable number" when you want to convey that a quantity is not only large but also potentially challenging or impressive due to its size.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable number" when simply stating a fact. The adjective "formidable" carries a connotation of awe or challenge that may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable number" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" acts as a pre-modifying adjective. It describes the quality or characteristic of the "number", emphasizing its size and impact, and aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable number" is a grammatically sound and meaningful expression used to describe a quantity that is both large and potentially impactful or challenging. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across a range of reputable sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. Its connotation is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for various writing contexts. When using "formidable number", consider whether the implication of challenge or impressiveness is appropriate for the intended message. Alternatives such as "significant quantity" or "substantial amount" may be more suitable if a simpler description is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant quantity

Replaces "formidable" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the quantity.

substantial amount

Emphasizes the size of the amount rather than its imposing nature.

considerable figure

Uses "considerable" to highlight the impressiveness of the numerical value.

large quantity

A simpler, more direct way to express a similar concept.

impressive total

Focuses on the cumulative aspect of the "number" and its positive impact.

vast accumulation

Highlights the immensity and collection of items contributing to the number.

daunting sum

Emphasizes the intimidating effect of the quantity.

remarkable count

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the quantity.

imposing figure

Stresses the authoritative and powerful nature of the amount.

striking magnitude

Emphasizes the great size and impact of the numerical value.

FAQs

How to use "formidable number" in a sentence?

You can use "formidable number" to describe a large or impressive quantity of something, conveying a sense of respect or awe. For example: "The team faced a "formidable number" of challenges during the project."

What can I say instead of "formidable number"?

You can use alternatives like "significant quantity", "substantial amount", or "considerable figure" depending on the context.

Is "formidable number" a formal or informal expression?

"Formidable number" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than on the phrase itself.

Which is correct, "formidable number" or "formidably number"?

"Formidable number" is correct. "Formidably" is an adverb and wouldn't correctly modify the noun "number". The adjective "formidable" is needed to describe the "number".