formidable obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

'formidable obstacle' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is difficult to overcome or a challenge that is difficult to face. For example, “The mountainous terrain of the Himalayas presents a formidable obstacle for climbers.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a formidable obstacle for a critic.

The New York Times

It proved to be a formidable obstacle.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the Rhinos present a formidable obstacle.

The Guardian - Sport

These difficulties are compounded by another formidable obstacle: Tom himself.

The New York Times - Books

Jeremy Corbyn's followers face the formidable obstacle of recalcitrant MPs.

Independent

The most formidable obstacle lies in creating a prototype.

The New York Times - Magazine

Air power — especially Russia's — has proved a formidable obstacle.

The Washington Post

His old club present a formidable obstacle to achieving it.

The Guardian - Sport

The State Department's travel advisories are another formidable obstacle.

The New York Times

The sea ice has proved a formidable obstacle so far.

The Guardian

Anti-forensic tools, techniques and methods are becoming a formidable obstacle for the digital forensic community.

Digital Investigation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable obstacle" to describe challenges that require significant effort and resources to overcome. It's particularly effective when highlighting the strength or imposing nature of the obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable obstacle" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler terms like "big challenge" or "tough problem" may be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "obstacle". It serves to describe a challenge or barrier that is particularly difficult to overcome. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it's frequently used in contexts involving significant challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable obstacle" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a particularly challenging barrier. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to reserve "formidable obstacle" for situations where you want to emphasize the magnitude of the challenge. While it is a common expression with multiple alternatives, be mindful of the writing context to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant hurdle

Replaces "obstacle" with "hurdle", implying a challenge that needs to be jumped over.

major impediment

Uses "impediment" to highlight something that hinders progress significantly.

substantial barrier

Emphasizes the blocking nature of the challenge, similar to "obstacle".

daunting challenge

Focuses on the intimidating aspect of the challenge rather than its obstructive nature.

serious setback

Highlights the potential for delay or regression caused by the challenge.

tough problem

Simplifies the expression, focusing on the difficulty of the issue.

grave difficulty

Stresses the seriousness and weight of the challenge.

considerable difficulty

Indicates that the challenge is of a noticeable magnitude.

onerous task

Shifts the focus to the effort and burden required to overcome the challenge.

notable stumbling block

Uses a more figurative term, "stumbling block", to suggest a difficulty that causes one to falter.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable obstacle" to describe something that is difficult to overcome. For example, "The language barrier was a "formidable obstacle" to communication."

What are some alternatives to "formidable obstacle"?

Some alternatives include "significant hurdle", "major impediment", or "substantial barrier". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "formidable obstacle" too formal for everyday writing?

While "formidable obstacle" isn't strictly incorrect in informal writing, it can sometimes sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "big challenge" or "tough problem" for a more casual tone.

What makes something a "formidable obstacle" rather than just a regular obstacle?

A "formidable obstacle" implies that the challenge is particularly large, powerful, or difficult to overcome. It suggests that significant effort and resources will be required to address it.