Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a highly developed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a highly developed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has advanced significantly in terms of complexity, sophistication, or capability. Example: "The region is known for its highly developed infrastructure, which supports a thriving economy."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
"But Japan is a highly developed country.
News & Media
He also had a highly developed eye for publicity.
News & Media
Dolphins have a highly developed system of communication.
News & Media
All children have a highly developed sense of injustice.
News & Media
Ashbery appears to have had a highly developed and sophisticated taste since childhood.
News & Media
Withdrawing support through seeking a personal tax rebate does not reflect a highly developed social conscience.
News & Media
But increasingly, bands like System of a Down display a highly developed social conscience.
News & Media
Again, Bates found an outlet for a highly developed guilty streak.
News & Media
Of necessity, Poles have a highly developed sense of humor about the past.
News & Media
Mr. Paterson has a highly developed sense of humor, which usually serves him well.
News & Media
The capital is a highly developed megacity, replete with jutting glass facades and 10-lane highways.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "a highly developed" to emphasize a significant degree of advancement or sophistication. It's more impactful than simply saying something is 'developed'.
Common error
Avoid using "a highly developed" when a simpler adjective like "advanced" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a highly developed" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating that the noun possesses advanced characteristics, capabilities, or complexity. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its role in describing systems, countries, and skills.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Encyclopedias
25%
Science
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a highly developed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that emphasizes a significant level of advancement or sophistication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources, it suggests a neutral to formal register. When writing, use it to effectively highlight the progressed state of a subject, but avoid overuse in contexts where simpler language suffices. Alternatives like "an advanced" or "a sophisticated" can be used to achieve similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
an advanced
Replaces "highly developed" with a simpler term suggesting progress beyond a basic level.
a well-developed
Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the development.
a sophisticated
Emphasizes refinement and complexity rather than just advancement.
a refined
Highlights the polished and improved nature of something.
a mature
Suggests a state of full growth and capability.
a progressive
Focuses on the continuous improvement and advancement.
a cutting-edge
Implies being at the forefront of innovation and development.
a state-of-the-art
Indicates the highest level of current development and technology.
a world-class
Suggests a development that meets the highest global standards.
an elaborate
Focuses on the complexity and detail in the development.
FAQs
How can I use "a highly developed" in a sentence?
You can use "a highly developed" to describe something advanced or sophisticated. For instance, "The country has "a highly developed economy"" or "Dolphins possess "a highly developed system of communication"".
What can I say instead of "a highly developed"?
You can use alternatives like "an advanced", "a sophisticated", or "a well-developed" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "a highly developed" or "a well developed"?
Both "a highly developed" and "a well developed" are grammatically correct, but "a highly developed" implies a greater degree of advancement or complexity.
What's the difference between "a highly developed" and "an advanced"?
"A highly developed" suggests a significant degree of progress and refinement, while "an advanced" simply indicates progress beyond a basic level.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested