formidable times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods that are challenging, difficult, or significant in some way. Example: "We are living in formidable times, where resilience and adaptability are more important than ever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And the most attractive medicine on offer looks like cash.In this section Desperately seeking a cash cure Accounting for concern Reprints Related items Citigroup: A supertanker in troubleNov 20th 2008 Audits: Accounting for concernNov 20th 2008Hoarding for hard timesPreserving cash in such formidable times will present managers with an unprecedented test of their skills.

The Economist

I read and reread the stories of his bouts with fearsome adversaries -- Liston, Foreman, Frazier, Norton, Shavers -- a murderers' row of heavyweights, each of whom could have reigned as champion for a very long time in less formidable times.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, Trott's  formidable time trialling capacitiies, honed to a maximum in her team pursuiting, served her perfectly.

Independent

Even if many want to visit the tolerance museum, which is doubtful enough, they will have a formidable time getting there.

The New York Times - Arts

When I was 16 and working as a model, I lived in Japan for three months on my own and that was a formidable time that taught me that there is more to life than high school and that little microcosm.

Independent

He is hungry without being thirsty, and uses his formidable time in the game and the skill and wisdom that comes with that longetivity.

Vice

Musculoskeletal clinics typically place considerable emphasis on physical therapy and have formidable time demands.

Clinical interventions in aging

Honduras' pressing game could be formidable at times, but they did tire and England's quicker tempo of passing in the second half began to tell.

Independent

"It was really tough... it didn't put a strain on our relationship, it was just the strain of life: life can seem pretty formidable at times," he says.

The Guardian - Music

I never met the formidable L.A. Times arts editor and film critic Charles Champlin, who died Sunday at the age of 88.

Los Angeles Times

Encounters can still be formidable at times, but there are now many more customisation options to Geralt's arsenal, and you're able to switch between magical signs easier than before.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable times" when you want to emphasize both the difficulty and the imposing nature of a period. This phrase is best suited for formal writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable times" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hard times" or "challenging times" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable times" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "formidable" modifies "times". This phrase typically serves to describe a period characterized by significant challenges and difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable times" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most accurately described as an adjective-noun phrase used to portray periods characterized by significant difficulty and challenge. While relatively rare in occurrence, the expression carries a more formal tone and is suitable for news, analytical writing, and formal discourse, emphasizing the gravity and imposing nature of the described period. As Ludwig shows, "formidable times" conveys a more serious and challenging tone than alternatives like "difficult times" or "challenging times".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging period

Focuses on the difficulty rather than the imposing nature of the time.

difficult era

Emphasizes the hardship and adversity of the period.

testing moments

Highlights the trials and challenges faced during the time.

critical juncture

Stresses the importance and potential consequences of the time.

momentous period

Focuses on the significance and historical importance of the time.

significant days

Underlines the noteworthiness and impact of the time.

complex situation

Highlights the multifaceted and intricate nature of the situation.

uncertain phase

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and predictability during the time.

unprecedented era

Stresses the novelty and uniqueness of the time.

demanding circumstances

Focuses on the exacting conditions and requirements of the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable times" to describe a period marked by significant challenges and difficulties. For example, "Preserving cash in such "formidable times" will present managers with an unprecedented test of their skills."

What are some alternatives to "formidable times"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging period", "difficult era", or "testing moments" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "formidable times" or "difficult times"?

Both phrases are correct, but "formidable times" implies a sense of awe or impressiveness in addition to the difficulty, while "difficult times" simply emphasizes the hardship. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended nuance.

What makes "formidable times" different from "challenging times"?

"Formidable times" suggests that the challenges are substantial and perhaps even intimidating, while "challenging times" simply indicates that the period requires effort and resilience. The former carries a stronger sense of gravity.