has a formidable knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a formidable knowledge" is not entirely correct in standard English usage.
It can be used when describing someone who possesses a vast and impressive understanding of a subject, but it is more common to say "has formidable knowledge" without the article "a." Example: "She has formidable knowledge of ancient history, making her an excellent resource for our research project."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The prime minister has a formidable knowledge of the arcane committees and procedures that underpin the daily business of E.U. affairs in Brussels, where she was a member of the European Parliament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He had a formidable knowledge of history, always measuring the promise of religion and nationalism against their depredations and abuse as their proponents descended into fundamentalism, chauvinism and provincialism.

The Guardian

Hong Kong has a formidable pro-democracy movement.

The New Yorker

Google has a formidable presence in Washington.

The New York Times

Her sport has a formidable champion.

The New York Times - Sports

So vice investing has a formidable record.

The New York Times

She has a formidable personality".

The New York Times

But Mrs Clinton still has a formidable machine behind her.

The Economist

And yet she has a formidable strength.

The Guardian - Music

Don Miguel has a formidable authority when he speaks.

The New Yorker

Whoever replaces him has a formidable task.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "has a formidable knowledge" is acceptable, consider omitting the article "a" for a slightly more standard and impactful tone: "has formidable knowledge."

Common error

Avoid using "has a formidable knowledge" too frequently in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "possesses extensive knowledge" or "demonstrates significant expertise" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a formidable knowledge" functions as a descriptor, indicating that someone possesses significant expertise or understanding. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used to highlight a person's comprehensive grasp of a subject.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has a formidable knowledge" describes someone with significant expertise. Ludwig indicates that, while grammatically acceptable, it's more common and impactful to omit the article 'a' and say "has formidable knowledge". Consider alternatives such as "possesses extensive knowledge" or "demonstrates significant expertise" for variety. The phrase is typically used in neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly in news and media or scientific writings. Overall, using "has formidable knowledge" without the article 'a' is the preferred choice for standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possesses extensive knowledge

Replaces "has a formidable" with a more direct verb and adjective while retaining the same meaning.

has profound knowledge

Substitutes "formidable" with "profound", emphasizing the depth of knowledge.

boasts considerable knowledge

Uses "boasts" to highlight the impressive nature of the knowledge.

demonstrates significant expertise

Shifts from "knowledge" to "expertise", focusing on practical application.

exhibits impressive understanding

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding", emphasizing comprehension.

is highly knowledgeable

Simplifies the structure while retaining the core meaning.

has a wealth of knowledge

Emphasizes the abundance of knowledge possessed.

is an expert in

Focuses on expertise in a specific field.

commands a vast knowledge

Implies authority and control over a large body of knowledge.

is well-versed in

Indicates thorough knowledge and familiarity.

FAQs

What's the difference between "has a formidable knowledge" and "has formidable knowledge"?

The phrase "has formidable knowledge" without the article "a" is considered more standard and slightly more impactful. While both are understandable, omitting "a" is generally preferred in formal writing.

What can I say instead of "has a formidable knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "possesses extensive knowledge", "has profound knowledge", or "demonstrates significant expertise" depending on the context.

Is "has a formidable knowledge" grammatically correct?

While understandable, the phrase "has a formidable knowledge" is less common than "has formidable knowledge". Ludwig AI suggests that omitting the article "a" aligns more closely with standard English usage.

How to use "has a formidable knowledge" in a sentence?

Example usage: "The prime minister has a formidable knowledge of the arcane committees and procedures."