powerful opponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powerful opponent" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you are describing someone or something that poses a significant challenge or threat. For example, "In the final match, they faced a powerful opponent who had won several championships." Alternative expressions include "formidable adversary" and "strong rival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Bayern is a very powerful opponent," Mourinho said.

The Guardian - Sport

Lucio Gutiérrez, toppled in 2005, is emerging as Mr Correa's most powerful opponent.

The Economist

Now a potentially powerful opponent has emerged: his former economy minister, Roberto Lavagna.

The Economist

The liquor industry was once the most powerful opponent of granting women their civil rights.

The New York Times

Google's homeland, the United States, is currently the most powerful opponent of recognizing Palestine.

The Guardian - Tech

Marine Le Pen's single most powerful opponent is to be found outside France: Angela Merkel.

The Guardian - Opinion

The zoologist Richard Owen, a powerful opponent, ridiculed the inclusion of the eccentric Benoît de Maillet; Maillet was removed.

The New York Times - Books

A year and a half into his four-year term, Mr Santos's predecessor has become his most powerful opponent.

The Economist

Mr. Osborne is widely seen as the most powerful opponent of a strong system of support for renewable energy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And DACA has very powerful opponents.

Harvard University

Along the way, Mr. Diaz has attracted powerful opponents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "powerful opponent", consider the specific aspect of power you want to emphasize: physical strength, political influence, or strategic skill.

Common error

Avoid using "powerful opponent" repeatedly within the same text, especially when describing similar situations. Vary your language with synonyms like "formidable adversary" or "strong contender" to keep the writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powerful opponent" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "powerful" modifies the noun "opponent". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. The phrase serves to identify a challenging or formidable adversary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "powerful opponent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a formidable adversary. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, consider the specific qualities that make the opponent "powerful", and avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms. Remember that the phrase serves to highlight the challenging nature of the adversary, as confirmed by the numerous examples available on Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable adversary

Emphasizes the challenging and intimidating nature of the opponent.

strong contender

Highlights the competitive aspect and the opponent's ability to compete.

dominant rival

Stresses the opponent's superiority and control.

tough competitor

Focuses on the difficulty in competing against the opponent.

redoubtable foe

A more formal and literary way to describe a respected and feared opponent.

influential detractor

Highlights the opponent's ability to sway opinions and create opposition.

major obstacle

Shifts the focus from a person to an impediment that needs to be overcome.

significant threat

Emphasizes the danger and potential harm posed by the opponent.

fierce combatant

Highlights the intensity and aggression of the opponent in a contest or battle.

capable challenger

Underscores the opponent's competence and preparedness to challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "powerful opponent" in a sentence?

You can use "powerful opponent" to describe someone or something that presents a significant challenge. For example, "The champion faced a "powerful opponent" in the final round."

What are some alternatives to "powerful opponent"?

Alternatives to "powerful opponent" include "formidable adversary", "strong contender", or "dominant rival", depending on the specific context.

Is "powerful opponent" a formal or informal phrase?

"Powerful opponent" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows it to be used in various settings, from news reports to casual conversations.

What qualities make an opponent "powerful"?

A "powerful opponent" can possess various qualities, including physical strength, strategic skill, political influence, or economic resources. The specific attributes depend on the context of the competition or conflict.