it was a formidable challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a formidable challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that was difficult and required significant effort to overcome. Example: "Completing the marathon was a formidable challenge, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

IT was a formidable challenge to create a craft show that did not home in on one subject or technique, formidable on many levels.

The New York Times

But it was a formidable challenge he had set for himself, playing a large and difficult body of works probably never intended to be presented whole, on relatively unfamiliar instruments, and understandably, he seemed a bit daunted at the start.

The New York Times - Arts

Through it all, Mr. Shaye and Mr. Lynne have insisted that while it was a formidable challenge, the making of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy was never reckless or big enough to put their company at risk.

The New York Times

It was a formidable challenge, and a lot was on the line.

Science Magazine

It was a formidable challenge to design such a polymyxin probe, while not interfering with the structural elements of the polymyxin molecule required for its antimicrobial and nephrotoxic activities.

Analytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's a formidable challenge to preserve".

The New Yorker

It is a formidable challenge, even for someone who has done just about everything.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a formidable challenge to build under a building," says Rodney Gibble, a Manhattan-based structural engineer who says he's working on a growing number of basement expansions with swimming pools, gyms and small basketball courts.

The New York Times

It is a formidable challenge to tell the stories of Kashmir's suffering without numbing the readers' senses, and that Peer is able to do so is testament to his gifts and sensitivity as a writer.

The Guardian - Books

It is a formidable challenge, given the strong organization he has in the state, as well as the benefits he is known to deliver, most recently helping win tax incentives for corn-based ethanol and a long-sought federal income tax break for residents of states like South Dakota where there is no state income tax.

The New York Times

It is a formidable challenge to develop the smarter and better nanoscaled drug delivery systems.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was a formidable challenge", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Clarity is key to conveying the specific situation or task that presented the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a formidable challenge" to describe simple or easily achievable tasks. "Formidable" implies a significant degree of difficulty, so ensure the challenge truly warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a formidable challenge" functions as a declarative statement. It expresses a judgment about a past situation, asserting that something presented a significant difficulty or obstacle. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was a formidable challenge" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a demanding task. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Although "formidable" implies significant difficulty, the phrase maintains neutrality, suitable for various contexts from news to science. Related phrases such as "it presented a major obstacle" offer stylistic options. Remember to provide clear context for "it" and avoid overusing "formidable" for simple tasks. This phrase, though infrequent, effectively conveys the scale and nature of a difficult undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it presented a major obstacle

Replaces "challenge" with "obstacle", emphasizing the hindering aspect of the situation. Also changes the verb.

it constituted a tough test

Substitutes "formidable challenge" with "tough test", focusing on the aspect of being examined or tried.

it proved to be a substantial undertaking

Replaces "challenge" with "undertaking", highlighting the effort and commitment required.

it represented a significant hurdle

Uses "hurdle" instead of "challenge", suggesting an obstacle to be overcome in a race or competition.

it posed a considerable difficulty

Emphasizes the difficulty aspect of the situation using "considerable difficulty".

it entailed a demanding task

Replaces "challenge" with "demanding task", underscoring the rigorous nature of the work involved.

it involved a steep learning curve

Focuses on the difficulty of acquiring new knowledge or skills as part of the challenge.

it required immense effort

Highlights the substantial effort needed to address the challenge.

it was no easy feat

Expresses the difficulty through understatement, implying that success was not easily achieved.

it demanded significant resources

Focuses on the resources required to meet the challenge, whether time, money, or manpower.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was a formidable challenge" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it presented a major obstacle", "it constituted a tough test", or "it proved to be a substantial undertaking" to convey a similar meaning with enhanced gravitas.

What's a less formal way to say "it was a formidable challenge"?

For informal settings, you could use phrases such as "it was no easy feat", "it was a tough test", or simply "it was really hard" to express the difficulty in a more relaxed manner.

Is "it was a formidable challenge" appropriate for describing a personal experience?

Yes, "it was a formidable challenge" can effectively describe a personal experience, especially when highlighting the significant effort and difficulty you faced. You can provide context by explaining the specific aspects of the experience that made it so challenging.

Can I use "it was a formidable challenge" when discussing a team project?

Absolutely. This phrase works well to describe team projects that demanded considerable effort and posed significant difficulties. Highlighting the collective effort reinforces the impact of the "challenge" and the collaborative nature of overcoming it.