formidable problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable problem" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a difficult or challenging issue or obstacle. Example: The team was faced with a formidable problem when their main source of funding suddenly fell through.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

That was a formidable problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But corruption remains a formidable problem.

The Guardian

Like Yau, Perelman was a formidable problem solver.

The New Yorker

The corrosion starts on a small level, then quickly escalates into a formidable problem.

The New York Times

My mother never became sick from tasting raw fish, but, by chance, gefilte fish turned out to be a formidable problem for my medical partner's wife, Rita.

The New York Times - Health

But senators and other elected officials who once seemed untouchable have become fair game for primary challenges in the last several years, and Mr. Lugar has a formidable problem on his hands with Mr. Mourdock.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They face formidable problems.

The Economist

The incoming government faces some formidable problems.

The New York Times

The Book of Mormon poses formidable problems for scholars.

The New Yorker

But labor's push has stumbled into two formidable problems.

The New York Times

Four years are too few to deal with Colombia's formidable problems.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable problem" when you want to emphasize the significant challenge and potential impact of an issue. It conveys a sense of respect for the difficulty involved.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable problem" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that truly present substantial challenges, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct. It serves to describe a specific type of problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, where it emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of a given issue. While alternatives like "significant challenge" or "major difficulty" exist, "formidable problem" carries a distinct weight, conveying a sense of respect for the challenge at hand. Overusing it in simple situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. In summary, "formidable problem" is a useful and versatile phrase when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major difficulty

Emphasizes the difficulty involved, suggesting a considerable impediment.

significant challenge

Highlights the challenge aspect, suggesting a test of one's abilities or resources.

challenging obstacle

Focuses on the obstacle aspect, emphasizing the difficulty in overcoming it.

daunting task

Emphasizes the intimidating aspect, suggesting a task that is overwhelming.

serious issue

Indicates a problem of considerable importance and potential consequences.

intractable dilemma

Suggests a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve.

tough situation

Focuses on the situational aspect, implying a demanding set of circumstances.

grave concern

Indicates a serious and worrying problem that requires attention.

complex matter

Highlights the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the issue.

onerous undertaking

Highlights the burdensome nature of the task or problem at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable problem" to describe any significant challenge. For example: "Tackling climate change is a "formidable problem" that requires global cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "formidable problem"?

Alternatives include "significant challenge", "major difficulty", or "serious issue", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "formidable problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "formidable problem" is suitable for formal writing. It is often used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to describe significant challenges.

What makes a problem "formidable"?

A problem is "formidable" when it presents significant challenges, obstacles, or complexities that require considerable effort and resources to overcome. It suggests that the problem is not easily resolved.