it is formidable

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is formidable' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is large, complex, or difficult to overcome. For example, "The Great Wall of China is a formidable structure; it is more than 10,000 kilometers long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is formidable enough facing Venus Williams even when healthy.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is formidable what he is trying to do against many, many people in the church.

Independent

From a distance Rockall is a minute speck in a giant sea; from below it is formidable, with no obvious landing spot or route up.

The Guardian

Ms Rousseff's campaign, as cynical as it is formidable, has relentlessly (and unfairly) bashed the market-friendly Mr Neves for wanting to slash social programmes and govern solely for the rich elite.

The Economist

England knows that it is formidable this year, but beneath that confidence is a sinking sense that the team will, as usual, find a way to leave the tournament early.

The New Yorker

It is formidable for any reform to gain traction when systemic corruption runs this wild.Muyiwa Onigbogi West Orange, New JerseyNorth Korean puppetsSIR – Banyan accepted the common view that China is acting as a reluctant moderating influence over North Korea's insane truculence (April 13th).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Despite a few wobbles it was formidable in its own right.

The Guardian - Music

"It's formidable.

The New Yorker

"It's formidable, it's very formidable on the right of the Republican party," said Daniel Smith, director of the political campaigning program at the University of Florida.

The New York Times

It's formidable and frequently thrilling; it can also verge on multiple-personality syndrome.

The New York Times - Arts

It's formidable how much authority is borne by a bowler.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is formidable" when you want to convey a sense of respect or awe, or to highlight the difficulty or scale of something. For example, 'Climbing Mount Everest is a formidable challenge'.

Common error

Avoid using "it is formidable" to describe everyday inconveniences or minor challenges. Overusing the phrase in trivial contexts dilutes its impact and reduces its effectiveness when describing truly significant or impressive things.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is formidable" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its role in characterizing something as inspiring awe or being difficult to overcome. Examples show it describing challenges, opponents, or even physical structures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is formidable" is a powerful and versatile expression used to describe something inspiring respect, awe, or even fear, typically due to its size, strength, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and finds frequent application in various contexts, notably in news, science, and more formal business settings. While semantically related phrases like "it is challenging" or "it is impressive" can serve as alternatives, "it is formidable" is best reserved for situations where you want to convey a sense of significant impact or difficulty. It's important to avoid overusing it in trivial contexts to maintain its effectiveness. Common authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, confirming its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a daunting task

Highlights the intimidating nature of the subject.

it is profoundly challenging

Stresses the depth and complexity of the challenge.

it presents a challenge

Focuses on the difficulty aspect.

it is a tough challenge

Emphasizes difficulty and resilience required.

it is a significant hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle-like nature.

it is quite impressive

Emphasizes the quality of being admirable or remarkable.

it is a monumental undertaking

Highlights the large scale and significance of the task.

it is intensely powerful

Stresses the strength and force of the subject.

it is supremely capable

Focuses on the subject's competence and skill.

it is seriously strong

Emphasizes the robustness and might of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "it is formidable" in a sentence?

You can use "it is formidable" to describe something that inspires respect or fear due to its size, strength, or difficulty. For example, "The task ahead "it is formidable", but we are prepared for the challenge."

What are some alternatives to "it is formidable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is challenging", "it is daunting", or "it is impressive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was formidable"?

Yes, "it was formidable" is grammatically correct and simply uses the past tense. You would use it to describe something that was formidable in the past.

What is the difference between "it is formidable" and "it is overwhelming"?

While both phrases suggest a significant impact, ""it is formidable"" emphasizes size, strength, or difficulty that inspires respect or fear. "it is overwhelming" suggests being overpowering or difficult to manage due to sheer volume or intensity.