formidable to confront

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable to confront" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a challenge or obstacle that is difficult to face or deal with. Example: "The new regulations posed a formidable challenge to confront for the small business owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To a soundtrack of howling winds and crashing waves visitors are invited to "confront the formidable challenge Shackleton and his men faced": a taste of electronic salt spray for a public still in thrall to old-fashioned hardship and adventure providing, of course, there's a gift shop nearby.

The Economist

As you know, all of this will be examined during the course of an end-decade review -- a process that we hope will inspire national, regional and international reflection and debate -- and generate specific recommendations on how to confront the formidable challenges that lie ahead.

Unicef

In the years ahead, the international community will almost certainly be expected to bring its formidable technical knowledge, skills, and analytic capabilities to confront this expanded global health threat environment (9 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The outcome highlights the increasing inability of organized labor to confront companies whose wide geographic options translate into formidable bargaining power.

Los Angeles Times

To connect, honor, to confront".

The New Yorker

Hence the reluctance to confront the issue.

The Economist

We have to confront this menace.

Independent

Sargent flew to Seattle to confront Amazon.

The New Yorker

Japanese interceptor jets scrambled to confront it.

The New York Times

Realpolitik is about to confront local realities.

The New York Times

This is very frustrating hockey to confront.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives if your writing context values brevity; the phrase can sometimes sound verbose.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable to confront" for minor inconveniences. The phrase implies a substantial obstacle requiring significant effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable to confront" functions as an infinitive phrase describing a challenge or obstacle. It combines an adjective ("formidable") with an infinitive verb ("to confront") to express the degree of difficulty in addressing something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable to confront" describes a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is not very common. It's best suited for formal contexts where you want to emphasize the scale and complexity of an obstacle. Consider simpler alternatives like "challenging to address" or "difficult to handle" in less formal settings. Ludwig confirms its usability, but given its rarity, writers should use it judiciously to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting to tackle

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of the task.

challenging to address

Highlights the need for a solution to a difficult problem.

difficult to handle

Focuses on the complexity and potential issues in managing the situation.

onerous to overcome

Stresses the burdensome nature of needing to conquer the issue.

intimidating to face

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed when approaching the challenge.

arduous to resolve

Focuses on the effort required to find a solution.

substantial to mitigate

Emphasizes reducing the severity of something significant.

serious to contend with

Highlights the gravity of the issue and the need to actively deal with it.

complex to unravel

Focuses on the complicated nature and need to simplify the issue.

significant to manage

Emphasizes the importance of controlling or directing something.

FAQs

How can I use "formidable to confront" in a sentence?

Use "formidable to confront" to describe a challenging situation that needs to be addressed. For example: "The complexity of the project was a "formidable to confront" for the team".

What are some alternatives to "formidable to confront"?

Alternatives include phrases like "daunting to tackle", "challenging to address", or "difficult to handle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formidable to confront" considered formal language?

While grammatically correct, "formidable to confront" leans towards a more formal tone. In informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "hard to deal with".

When is it appropriate to use "formidable to confront"?

It is best used when describing significant, complex challenges, especially in professional, academic, or journalistic contexts, implying that the challenge requires considerable effort and resources to overcome.