formidable vs formidable task

Both 'formidable' and 'formidable task' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Formidable' is an adjective that describes something inspiring fear or respect due to being large, powerful, intense, or difficult. On the other hand, 'formidable task' is a common collocation where 'task' specifies what is formidable. It's important to use 'formidable' alone when describing something in general, and 'formidable task' when referring to a specific challenging task.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 989 views

Correct. 'Formidable' is an adjective that describes something inspiring fear or respect due to being large, powerful, intense, or difficult.

"formidable"

Use 'formidable' to describe something that is impressive, powerful, or difficult. It can be used alone or followed by a noun to specify what is formidable.

Examples:

She is a formidable opponent.
The army faced a formidable challenge.
The mountain range looked formidable in the distance.

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The Amsterdam Treaty and the Cologne Declaration represent a formidable challenge.
Absorbing Man is... somewhat formidable.
To create a being even more formidable than a Wraith.
You mean something like, Gus was a formidable opponent...
A formidable evil, an evil that has to be eradicated.
He knows you're a formidable adversary.
You're a formidable woman, Lois Lane.
You're going to be a formidable adversary, Mother.
He will find the Kraken somewhat more formidable than Calibos.
This morning, half naked, uncombed, she was formidable.
The canoeist doesn't stand a chance against such a formidable opponent.
He's more formidable than you can imagine.
H.G. Wells was a formidable opponent.
Nine years ago, our formidable Leader announced...
That kid Kim Yoon Shik is formidable!
A tastemaker as formidable as yourself, this should be a walk in the park.
I don't know. Ryan looks pretty formidable.
My mother is a formidable woman, too.
Do you know, when I first met the formidable Dr Beverly...
Besides, the defence counsel is a formidable opponent.

Alternatives:

imposing
daunting
challenging
impressive

Correct. 'Formidable task' is a common collocation where 'task' specifies what is formidable.

"formidable task"

Use 'formidable task' when referring to a specific challenging task. It is a set phrase that is commonly used in English.

Examples:

Completing the project on time was a formidable task.
Winning the championship will be a formidable task for the team.
The rescue operation proved to be a formidable task for the emergency services.

Show examples from the web [+]

Clearly the very ambitious reform contained in your paper is going to be a formidable task for the managers you appoint.
You now face a formidable task, Commissioner, and one that will severely test your diplomatic and consensus-building skills, as well as those of others.
They have a formidable task ahead of them.
It is this gentleman who has the formidable task of carrying out this semantic classification.
This is a formidable task, indeed.
I hope I have made it clear what a formidable task we face.
In a debate such as this, it is appropriate to congratulate the Commission and its services on this formidable task.
They have a formidable task ahead of them and I welcome the top priority that they have given to completing the enlargement negotiations by December.
You succeeded in the formidable task of enabling your country to join the euro.
I am delighted that we have reached the adoption of the framework programme for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and I would like to thank the rapporteur for his work and the willingness to cooperate that he has demonstrated throughout what has been a formidable task.
whereas the Venezuelan Government is faced with the formidable task of rebuilding part of the country, while having to find an immediate solution to the problems of hygiene, housing and health facing hundreds of thousands of people,
Lastly, let me turn to the Convention, which has already been the focus of attention of so many Members. I would simply like to say this: the statements made today illustrate the formidable task facing the Convention.
Everyone wants to see him succeed in the formidable task he has taken on, and so far it has to be said that everything he has done and everything he has said has pointed in the same democratic direction.
I am sure the Commissioner will agree with me and many of us in this room that we still face a formidable task as we try now to build and rebuild trust after years of negotiation which have created enormous amounts of tension and acrimony.

Alternatives:

challenging task
difficult task
daunting task
arduous task

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formidable vs formidable task

"formidable"

"formidable task"

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