highly sought

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly sought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is in great demand or that many people are looking for. For example: "This new smartphone model is highly sought after by tech enthusiasts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His expertise is highly sought after.

The Guardian

This talent is highly sought after.

Harvard Business Review

Dr. Taylor is a highly sought after speaker.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Excellent communication skills are highly sought after too.

The Guardian

Chemical engineers are highly sought after by employers.

The Guardian

Concentrates extracted using butane gas became highly sought after.

The Guardian

Metallurgical coal used to make steel is highly sought after.

The New York Times

Clover was the consummate hostess, her invitations highly sought.

The New York Times - Books

Modularity is a highly sought after feature in engineering design.

Current Opinion in Chemical Biology

Novel dielectric materials are highly sought for these capacitive applications.

Progress in Polymer Science

Alternative materials are therefore highly sought for fuel cell applications.

Journal of Power Sources

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly sought", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the reason for the demand. Is it desired for its rarity, usefulness, or prestige? Choose synonyms that capture the specific nuance you intend.

Common error

While "highly sought" is often used in the passive voice, avoid overusing it. Sometimes, active constructions can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "These materials are highly sought by researchers", consider "Researchers highly seek these materials."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly sought" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun. Ludwig examples show it is used to indicate that the noun is in great demand or is very desirable. It's used to add emphasis that goes beyond the simple adjective "sought".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly sought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that effectively communicates strong demand or desirability. Ludwig examples show it's common across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral to professional register. Alternatives include "in great demand" and "much desired", each with slightly different nuances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides further examples, reinforcing its usability in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought-after

A slightly more concise and common alternative, directly synonymous.

in great demand

Emphasizes the demand aspect, highlighting that many people want it.

much desired

Focuses on the desirability of the item, suggesting a strong wish to obtain it.

widely coveted

Implies that something is not only desired but also envied by many.

eagerly pursued

Highlights the active effort made to obtain something.

highly prized

Suggests that something is valued greatly, often for its rarity or excellence.

in high request

Similar to "in great demand" but may apply more to services or actions.

at a premium

Indicates that something is valued highly, often reflected in its price or availability.

hot commodity

Suggests something is trendy and currently very popular.

valuable acquisition

Focuses on the worth and benefit gained from acquiring something.

FAQs

How can I use "highly sought" in a sentence?

You can use "highly sought" to describe something that is in great demand. For example, "Data scientists are "highly sought" after by many companies".

What's a good alternative to "highly sought"?

Alternatives to "highly sought" include "in great demand", "much desired", or "sought-after", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "highly sought after"?

Yes, "highly sought after" is a common and correct usage. It emphasizes that something is not only sought but also desired by many.

What makes something "highly sought" versus simply "sought"?

The addition of "highly" intensifies the degree to which something is desired or pursued. It suggests a significant level of demand or desirability compared to something that is merely "sought".