formidable power

USAGE SUMMARY

"formidable power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that there is an impressive or intimidating strength or ability in one person or object. For example: "The small country had a formidable power due to its advanced defensive military system".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Straws are the most formidable power couple in Whitehall.

The Guardian

The Parthian empire dominated Central Asia and was a formidable power against Roman rule12.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That twin grip gives him formidable power over how his government is seen on television.

The Economist

His father, Harold Fisher, was a formidable power in the Brooklyn Democratic organization.

The New York Times

As the grassroots campaign against blood diamonds has shown, consumers can be a formidable power.

The Guardian

"Red" hurtled along, as if the dancers were possessed by some formidable power beyond themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

And it is not as if the Wild offers a formidable power play.

The New York Times - Sports

But far from weakening enforcement of antitrust regulations, settlements show the formidable power that European investigators have over companies.

The New York Times - Tech

But while Orbán has amassed formidable power, he is not omnipotent as the current wave of internet-fuelled protest shows.

The Guardian

The best moments in the show came when everyone lost themselves in the formidable power of the music.

The Guardian - Music

Accustomed to using great leverage over union, corporate and political opponents, Mr. Black, 55, operates from a formidable power base.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable power" to describe a strength or capability that inspires respect or fear due to its effectiveness or scale. For example, describe a nation's military or a company's market position as having "formidable power".

Common error

Avoid using "formidable power" to describe minor strengths or abilities. The phrase suggests a significant and impactful level of force, so reserve it for situations where the power genuinely warrants such a strong adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable power" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" modifies the noun "power". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of power, namely its impressiveness or potential to inspire awe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable power" is a commonly used phrase to describe significant strength or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, ensure that the power being described is truly noteworthy and impactful, avoiding overuse in less significant situations. Alternatives like "immense power" or "considerable power" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearsome power

Replaces "formidable" with "fearsome", emphasizing the intimidating aspect of the power.

immense power

Substitutes "formidable" with "immense", stressing the vastness or magnitude of the power.

extraordinary power

Replaces "formidable" with "extraordinary", emphasizing the unusual or exceptional nature of the power.

enormous power

Replaces "formidable" with "enormous", highlighting the great size or extent of the power.

considerable power

Uses "considerable" instead of "formidable", focusing on the significant amount of power.

impressive power

Substitutes "formidable" with "impressive", focusing on the admirable or noteworthy quality of the power.

huge power

Uses "huge" instead of "formidable", indicating a large or substantial amount of power.

terrible power

Substitutes "formidable" with "terrible", highlighting the potential for destruction or awe.

overwhelming power

Uses "overwhelming" instead of "formidable", suggesting a power that is difficult to resist or overcome.

powerful influence

Shifts from "power" to "influence", focusing on the ability to affect others.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable power" to describe something or someone possessing great strength or influence, such as "The army displayed its formidable power during the exercise".

What can I say instead of "formidable power"?

You can use alternatives like "fearsome power", "immense power", or "considerable power" depending on the context.

Is "formidable power" the same as "formidable force"?

While similar, "formidable power" often implies influence or capability, while "formidable force" typically refers to physical strength or military might. The choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a power "formidable"?

A power is considered "formidable" when it is impressively strong, effective, or difficult to overcome. This often involves a combination of resources, skill, and strategic advantage.