He is not to be taken lightly vs He is someone not to be taken lightly

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different structures. The first phrase 'he is not to be taken lightly' is more concise and commonly used, while the second phrase 'he is someone not to be taken lightly' provides more emphasis by explicitly stating 'he is someone.' Both convey the same meaning, but the choice between them depends on the level of emphasis or detail the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: April 12, 2024 • 116 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"He is not to be taken lightly"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone should not be underestimated or treated casually.

Examples:

She is not to be taken lightly when it comes to negotiations.
The new manager is not to be taken lightly; he means business.
His skills are not to be taken lightly in the competition.
The team captain is not to be taken lightly by the opponents.
The professor is not to be taken lightly in his field of expertise.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 16, 2022 ... He is not to be taken lightly, as he's run some of the fastest marks in the state in the 800m and 3200m as well this season.
Apr 4, 2018 ... 1-ranked player on the planet and he does have one win and two seconds in six PGA Tour events this season. He is not to be taken lightly.
Oct 3, 2019 ... He is not to be taken lightly; if he can get shots away, he's a very dangerous offensive threat, especially should Tuukka Rask have any ...
Jun 20, 2020 ... He is not to be taken lightly and the Blackhawks need to know that as much as anyone otherwise they will be toast.

Alternatives:

he should not be underestimated
he is not to be underestimated
he is not to be trifled with
he is not to be messed with
he is not to be taken for granted

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"He is someone not to be taken lightly"

This phrase is also used to convey that someone should not be underestimated or treated casually, but it provides more emphasis by explicitly stating 'he is someone.'

Show examples from the web [+]

Jul 14, 2012 ... He is someone not to be taken lightly. Great screen presence. RELATED: Natchathiram Nagargirathu Review. Ad. Billa works with him and after ...

Alternatives:

he is not to be taken lightly
he should not be underestimated
he is not to be underestimated
he is not to be trifled with
he is not to be messed with

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He is not to be taken lightly vs He is someone not to be taken lightly