cannot speak highly enough of

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot speak highly enough of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize how much you appreciate something or someone. For example, "I cannot speak highly enough of the service I received at this restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The designer Tom Ford cannot speak highly enough of him.

Independent

I cannot speak highly enough of their performance.

The Guardian - Sport

"I cannot speak highly enough of the players; they were magnificent.

The Guardian - Sport

"We cannot speak highly enough of Sean as a man," the chairman, Fawaz al-Hasawi, told the club's website.

The Guardian - Sport

The England coach Gary Street calls her "my eyes on the pitch" and cannot speak highly enough of her attitude.

The Guardian - Sport

Mrs. Hord cannot speak highly enough of Cantor Fitzgerald, but holds a resigned anger at the government bureaucracy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Spike helped Saunders prepare for his European title fight with Emanuele Blandamura and cannot speak highly enough about the British Olympian and number one ranked middleweight contender.

The Guardian - Sport

"I can't speak highly enough of him.

BBC

"I can't speak highly enough of the management team.

Independent

"I can't speak highly enough of him," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I can't speak highly enough of it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot speak highly enough of" to convey genuine and strong admiration or approval. It adds emphasis and sincerity to your praise.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing "cannot speak highly enough of" in overly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or specific language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot speak highly enough of" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey strong praise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English, indicating its acceptance in standard communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot speak highly enough of" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to convey strong praise or admiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and business communications. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the sincerity of your sentiment. Alternatives like "highly commend" or "think very highly of" can be used for variety, but "cannot speak highly enough of" remains a powerful way to express heartfelt approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think very highly of

A more direct and simple way of expressing a positive opinion or admiration.

have nothing but praise for

Emphasizes the complete absence of negative feedback, highlighting only positive aspects.

sing the praises of

Suggests enthusiastic and expressive praise, often publicly or widely shared.

rave about

Implies extremely enthusiastic and excited praise, often bordering on excessive.

highly commend

Focuses on formally praising or recommending someone or something.

express utmost satisfaction with

Focuses on the speaker's contentment and positive experience with the subject.

hold in high esteem

Indicates deep respect and admiration, often based on accomplishments or qualities.

admire greatly

Emphasizes the feeling of admiration, highlighting the depth of positive regard.

speak volumes about

This implies that the qualities of the subject are so evident that they speak for themselves.

greatly value

Highlights the importance and worth that the speaker attributes to the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot speak highly enough of" in a sentence?

Use "cannot speak highly enough of" to express strong admiration or approval. For example, "I "cannot speak highly enough of" the team's dedication to this project".

What are some alternatives to "cannot speak highly enough of"?

Alternatives include "think very highly of", "have nothing but praise for", or "highly recommend" depending on the context.

Is it too strong to say "cannot speak highly enough of"?

While it conveys strong praise, "cannot speak highly enough of" is generally appropriate when you genuinely feel that way. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the situation.

Can "cannot speak highly enough of" be used sarcastically?

While technically possible, using "cannot speak highly enough of" sarcastically is unusual and may confuse your audience. Sarcasm is often better conveyed through tone or other cues.