but highly so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but highly so" is not correct and does not sound natural in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to emphasize a degree of something, but it lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "The project was challenging, but highly so" does not convey a clear meaning.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The geological profession has only recently become numerically literate but highly so in a relatively short time.

Earth-Science Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Traditionally, historians have referred to the period of civil war as "The Anarchy", but recent scholarship has rejected the extreme view of the time period as lawless; most historians see the reign as disordered but not highly so, and Stephen as weak but not useless.

Wikipedia

However, the difference in density between the global postcommissural CN (the mean density of all the postcommissural territories of the CN) and the postcommissural Put are only significant but not highly so (Mann-Whitney U; P = 0.024).

Plosone

Of course, genes from different sets can be correlated (even highly so), but we confine our focus here to pre-defined gene sets.

BMC Genomics

Obscenity on this scale was not just frowned upon in polite society at the time, but highly illegal, so it's no surprise that the copper engravings lack an artist's signature.

Vice

It isn't critical to have studs on all four ties of a front wheel drive car, but highly recommended so the traction is equal.

WikiHow

It isn’t regarded highly, so it’s cheap.

Forbes

All rated highly, so an audience clearly found them.

Huffington Post

After hours of debate, it was decided that Livingstone's comments were not necessarily antisemitic but highly inflammatory and insensitive, so the reason given for the suspension was for bringing the party into disrepute.

The Guardian

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma has a low incidence but is highly lethal, so there have been no large phase III trials.

BMC Cancer

It was Sunday, the end of a long, tiring but highly successful week at Lance Armstrong Motors, so the chairman of the board decided to relax and let others do the heavy lifting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more direct and commonly accepted alternatives like "very much so" or "to a great extent" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using uncommon or grammatically questionable phrases like "but highly so" in an attempt to add emphasis. Simpler, more direct wording often has a greater impact and reduces ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but highly so" functions as an adverbial modifier, aiming to emphasize the degree or extent of a preceding statement, often in contrast to something previously mentioned. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is not grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but highly so" is intended to add emphasis while contrasting with a prior statement. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed grammatically incorrect and unnatural for written English. While examples can be found in various sources including Science, News & Media and Wiki, its usage is rare. For clearer and more impactful communication, it is recommended to use alternatives such as "but very much so" or "but to a great extent". These alternatives offer a more direct and accepted way to convey emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but very much so

Replaces "highly" with "very much" for stronger emphasis.

but to a great extent

Emphasizes the degree or scope of something.

but considerably so

Highlights a notable degree or impact.

but significantly so

Indicates an important or consequential level.

but remarkably so

Emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of the degree.

but notably so

Highlights the prominent or easily observed nature of the degree.

but particularly so

Focuses on a specific instance where the degree is evident.

but intensely so

Emphasizes the strength or force of the degree.

but exceptionally so

Highlights the unusual or extraordinary nature of the degree.

but profoundly so

Emphasizes the depth or impact of the degree.

FAQs

What does "but highly so" mean?

The phrase "but highly so" is intended to emphasize a high degree or extent of something, but it's not a standard or commonly used expression. It's usually better to opt for clearer alternatives.

How can I use "but highly so" in a sentence?

While technically possible, it's advisable to rephrase sentences using more common and accepted alternatives such as "but very much so" or "but to a great extent".

What are some alternatives to "but highly so"?

Alternatives include "but very much so", "but to a great extent", or "but considerably so", depending on the intended nuance.

Is "but highly so" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "but highly so" is not grammatically correct and does not sound natural in written English. It's recommended to use alternative phrasing for improved clarity.