formidable skills

USAGE SUMMARY

"formidable skills" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a high level of skill in a particular activity, such as, "He has formidable skills as a chef."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Atkins displayed formidable skills as an interrogator.

The Guardian

His formidable skills can't be questioned.

The New York Times

As a writer, Mathison demonstrated her two formidable skills.

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes the contradictions are too stark for his formidable skills.

The New York Times

Both stories have echoes of his old and formidable skills.

The New York Times - Books

The formidable skills of LeBron James probably won't reach the stock market.

The New York Times

It is a difficult feeling to share, despite Safire's formidable skills as an advocate.

The New York Times - Books

Forging one will be the principal test of the formidable skills of the new Administration.

The New Yorker

She was another man's wife, admired for her intelligence, discretion and formidable skills on the tennis court.

The New York Times - Style

It's a credit to her formidable skills that Krauss manages to make her emotionally tortured crew engaging.

The Guardian - Books

In 1991, Clarke joined a large law firm, McKenna Long & Aldridge, where she could apply her formidable skills to defending white-collar clients.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable skills" to positively emphasize someone's strong capabilities, particularly when highlighting their potential impact in a challenging situation.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable skills" in situations where simpler terms like "good skills" or "strong abilities" would suffice. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the skills truly stand out or are particularly impressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable skills" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "formidable" modifies the noun "skills". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. It highlights the impressive nature or degree of someone's abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable skills" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to highlight impressive capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's versatile enough for neutral to professional contexts, often appearing in news and academic sources. For alternatives, consider "exceptional abilities" or "remarkable talents", but reserve "formidable skills" when you really want to emphasize the power and potential of someone's skill set.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional abilities

Emphasizes the unusual or superior nature of the abilities.

remarkable talents

Highlights innate aptitude and skill.

outstanding capabilities

Focuses on the potential and capacity to perform effectively.

considerable expertise

Stresses the depth of knowledge and experience.

impressive proficiency

Underscores the high level of skill and competence.

advanced competence

Indicates a high degree of skill, especially through training.

masterful command

Suggests complete control and expertise over a subject or skill.

powerful aptitude

Highlights a natural ability to learn or do something.

notable prowess

Emphasizes exceptional skill and bravery.

significant talent

Focuses on the noteworthy aspect of the talent.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable skills" to describe someone's strong capabilities, like "The negotiator used her formidable skills to reach an agreement."

What's a good alternative to "formidable skills"?

Depending on the context, you could use "exceptional abilities", "remarkable talents", or "outstanding capabilities".

Is it appropriate to describe someone's "formidable skills" in a casual setting?

While grammatically correct, "formidable skills" might sound overly formal in a casual setting. Simpler terms like "great skills" or "strong abilities" may be more suitable.

What makes "formidable skills" different from "good skills"?

"Formidable skills" implies a higher degree of expertise and impact than "good skills". "Formidable" suggests the skills are powerful and capable of overcoming significant challenges.