formidable thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is impressive, powerful, or difficult to deal with. Example: "The storm was a formidable thing, causing widespread damage and chaos in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Simon's belief in the show is a formidable thing, and it leads him into some ostentatious comparisons that he sometimes laughs at himself for and sometimes does not.

The New Yorker

A formidable thing at any hour.

Forbes

It's a formidable thing, fear, particularly when it is not rational.

Huffington Post

I don't think Indian writing in English is a formidable thing right now for anybody to have to rebel against.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And if we are short of creative ideas, observations and thoughts, then we are failing ourselves, recycling the flotsam and jetsam of the internet when we should be crafting ships of thought and insight that can help us navigate this formidable, overwhelming yet disappointing thing we have created.

The Guardian - Tech

Unearthed by the formidable Boy Genius, this thing is.. well, it's the EVO 4G.

TechCrunch

Mr DeLay enjoyed a formidable reputation for getting things done on Capitol Hill.

The Guardian

But he had a formidable talent for two things: brewing intense coffee and gathering men around him to talk and tell stories.

The New York Times - Books

"The Maker's Diet" will be a display of, among other things, a formidable marketing strategy -- and it can't hurt to have an angle when a book aims for a wide audience.

The New York Times - Books

Even the formidable Cyclone is a puny thing from this height.

The New York Times

McCrory, who is best known in America for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies, is herself a formidable actor — "The really good thing about having babies, as I did, when you're seventy-five is that you've had a chance to establish your career first," she told British Vogue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formidable thing", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: its impressiveness, difficulty, or power. Choose synonyms that reflect this nuance for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable thing" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "formidable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thing". Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound. It is used to describe something that evokes respect, awe, or presents a significant challenge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable thing" is a grammatically correct and relatively rare expression used to describe something impressive, powerful, or difficult to deal with. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting that it is primarily used in news and media contexts. While its formal tone might not suit casual settings, its ability to convey a sense of awe or challenge makes it a valuable tool in descriptive writing. Alternatives like "imposing entity" or "daunting prospect" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific aspect one wishes to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposing entity

Emphasizes the impressive and often intimidating nature of something.

daunting prospect

Highlights the challenging and potentially discouraging aspect of something.

significant challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to overcome something.

powerful force

Stresses the strength and influence of something.

remarkable phenomenon

Highlights the unusual or extraordinary nature of something.

impressive feat

Highlights the accomplishment and skill involved.

serious matter

Emphasizes the importance and gravity of something.

considerable obstacle

Highlights the difficulty in achieving a goal because of an impediment.

tough proposition

Focuses on the demanding nature and potential for failure.

challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the effort, complexity, and potential risks involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable thing" to describe something that inspires awe or is difficult to overcome. For example: "The storm was a "formidable thing", causing widespread damage".

What's a less formal way to say "formidable thing"?

Consider using alternatives like "daunting challenge", "tough task", or "impressive sight" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "formidable thing" always a positive description?

Not necessarily. While "formidable" often implies respect, it can also suggest something is intimidating or difficult to manage. The connotation depends on the context.

What is the difference between "formidable" and "formidable thing"?

"Formidable" is an adjective describing a noun's quality directly, while ""formidable thing"" uses the adjective to describe the entire entity or situation. For example, "She is a formidable opponent" vs "The problem is a "formidable thing"".