I think highly of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think highly of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration or respect for someone or something. Example: "I think highly of her dedication to her work and her ability to inspire others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I think highly of myself.

The New York Times

I think highly of them, very much so.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think highly of his tax package," said Senator Don Nickles of Oklahoma.

The New York Times

His take on Ms. Whitman: "I think highly of Meg as a C.E.O.

The New York Times

"I think highly of myself and I think you have to," said Maggette, who has a bodybuilder's physique.

The New York Times - Sports

James Woolsey, the former head of the C.I.A., said of Hamza, "I think highly of him and I have no reason to disbelieve the claims that he's made".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I thought highly of him as a cook and as a man".

The New York Times

"I took him as a favor to a headmaster from a 'famous' school because the headmaster, who I thought highly of, gave his recommendation and thought that he had great potential," Mr. Stewart said in an e-mail.

The New York Times

I would sit with Harold Bloom with some regularity, hand over a book I thought highly of, say, by Jack Gilbert or McCarthy's Blood Meridian, and wait for him to refuse even to look.

The Guardian - Books

"What is this LinkedIn thing anyway," I asked myself, "some sort of pyramid scam?" I thought highly of the person who sent me the invitation, so I went to the LinkedIn Web site to see what it was about.

Science Magazine

I thought highly of the two previous productions I've seen of "The Iceman Cometh" but left them both feeling I needn't ever sit through the play again.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, be specific about the qualities or actions that lead you to think highly of someone or something. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I think highly of" in situations where your actions or statements contradict this sentiment. Sincerity is key to making the phrase effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think highly of" functions as an evaluative expression, communicating a positive assessment or opinion. It's often used to convey respect, admiration, or approval, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think highly of" is a common and correct phrase used to convey a positive opinion, respect, or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's versatile, it is important to use the phrase sincerely and provide context for why you hold someone or something in high regard. Alternatives like "I respect" or "I admire" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to express. Remember to avoid overuse in insincere contexts to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I think very well of

Adds emphasis with "very", intensifying the positive assessment.

I have a high opinion of

Uses "opinion" instead of "think", implying a considered judgement.

I have great respect for

Emphasizes "great respect", indicating a strong feeling.

I hold in high regard

More formal and emphasizes the level of esteem.

I respect

Directly states respect, simplifying the expression.

I admire

Highlights admiration, focusing on positive qualities.

I esteem

Formal synonym for "respect" or "admire".

I appreciate

Focuses on gratitude for someone's qualities or actions.

I value

Emphasizes the worth or importance attached to someone or something.

I think the world of

Idiomatic expression indicating strong affection and admiration.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I think highly of" someone?

Saying "I think highly of" someone means you have a strong positive opinion of them, respecting their abilities, character, or achievements.

How can I use "I think highly of" in a sentence?

You can use "I think highly of" to express your respect or admiration. For example, "I think highly of her dedication to the project."

What are some alternatives to "I think highly of"?

You can use alternatives like "I respect", "I admire", or "I hold in high regard" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to say "I think highly of myself"?

Yes, it's appropriate, but it can sound arrogant if not said carefully. It's better to highlight specific accomplishments rather than a general sense of self-admiration.