are highly commended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are highly commended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express praise or approval for someone's actions, achievements, or qualities. Example: "The students who excelled in the science fair are highly commended for their innovative projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So congratulations to the winner Petra Wester and runner-up Letizia Campioni, and all those whose photographs are highly commended.

BMC Ecology

The author and the publishers are highly commended for presenting such a comprehensive, highly useful volume on the status of arthropods in current medical concerns.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

If you are able to, then reciting long surahs such as Al-Baqarah, An-Nisā' or Al-'Imran are highly commended, even if you can manage them only from time to time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw was highly commended.

The Guardian

- Supplement of the Year - Observer Tech Monthly was highly commended.

The Guardian

- Cartoonist of the Year - The Observer's Chris Riddell was highly commended.

The Guardian

Oil beetle pose by Juan Jesus Gonzalez Ahumada (above) was highly commended in the animal portraits category.

The Guardian

Iris Roberts and Luke Kempner were highly commended and Sophie Stone and James Britton got a special mention.

The Guardian

- Scoop of the Year - The Guardian was highly commended for its Edward Snowden Files revelations.

The Guardian

The overall winner was James Fletcher, and entries by Gioia Barnbrook and Josephine Go Jefferies were highly commended.

The Guardian

Scientific research from Japan has been highly commended by the International Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are highly commended" to formally acknowledge achievements or contributions that deserve recognition. It's suitable for award announcements, official reports, and public statements.

Common error

Avoid using "are highly commended" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "are praised" or "are appreciated" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are highly commended" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives strong approval or formal praise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are highly commended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying strong approval or formal praise, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is particularly appropriate for formal contexts, such as award ceremonies and official reports, and is less suitable for casual conversations. While alternatives like "are greatly praised" or "are lauded" exist, "are highly commended" carries a unique sense of prestige and official recognition. Its presence in news, scientific, and wiki sources highlights its broad applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are greatly praised

Emphasizes the act of praising rather than the formal commendation.

are lauded

Implies enthusiastic and public praise.

are esteemed

Implies respect and high regard.

are celebrated

Suggests a festive or public acknowledgment of achievement.

are admired

Suggests approval and appreciation for someone or something.

are much appreciated

Focuses on gratitude and value placed on something.

are well thought of

Focuses on the positive opinion held by others.

are well received

Highlights the positive reception of something by an audience or group.

are highly valued

Emphasizes the worth or importance assigned to something.

are recognized

Highlights the acknowledgement or awareness of something's merit.

FAQs

How can I use "are highly commended" in a sentence?

The phrase "are highly commended" is used to express strong approval or praise, typically in a formal context. For example: "The researchers "are highly commended" for their groundbreaking work".

What can I say instead of "are highly commended"?

You can use alternatives like "are greatly praised", "are lauded", or "are highly valued depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are highly commended"?

It is most appropriate in formal settings, such as award ceremonies, official reports, or professional communications, where a strong expression of approval is warranted. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "are highly commended" and "are praised"?

"Are highly commended" suggests a more formal and official acknowledgment of merit, while "are praised" is a more general expression of approval. The former carries a greater sense of prestige and recognition.