highly technical

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly technical" is a correct and usable form of written English.
You could use it to describe a subject or job that requires complex knowledge and skill sets. For example, "This position requires an individual with highly technical skills and experience in electronic engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Akers said his profession was highly technical.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Jones's cuisine can be highly technical.

The New York Times

Cheesley said specialists did not necessarily require highly technical skills.

The Guardian

Incorporation can be a lengthy, costly and highly technical process.

The New York Times

But the new system is highly technical and complex.

The Guardian

The locals often speak of uranium in highly technical terms.

The New Yorker

But, by its nature, the nuclear programme is highly technical.

The Economist

The highly technical nature of much contemporary Anglo-American philosophy?

The New York Times - Arts

They said that counselors often steer young women away from vocational and highly technical courses.

The New York Times

Designing assessments and tests is highly technical and best left to professionals.

The Guardian

"I don't know if anyone would anticipate this because it's a highly technical thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a field or task as "highly technical", provide specific examples to illustrate the complexity or specialized knowledge involved. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "highly technical" as a generic descriptor. Always ensure that the context genuinely warrants such a strong claim of technical complexity; otherwise, it can sound hyperbolic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly technical" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective to describe nouns. It indicates that the noun (e.g., a process, skill, or field) requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts to highlight complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “highly technical” is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that requires significant expertise and specialized knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. While it’s important to use this phrase judiciously and provide specific examples, understanding its function and purpose can enhance clarity and credibility in your writing. Remember to explore alternatives like ""highly specialized"" or ""extremely complex"" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly specialized

A direct synonym, focusing on the specific nature of the expertise.

technically demanding

Highlights the challenges and requirements of the task or field.

extremely complex

Focuses on the intricate nature of the subject rather than the expertise required.

complex and intricate

Combines two aspects of technical difficulty: complexity and detail.

deeply specialized

Emphasizes the narrow and focused nature of the expertise.

requiring expertise

Emphasizes the need for specialized knowledge and skills.

thoroughly sophisticated

Highlights the advanced and refined nature of the technical aspects.

profoundly intricate

Stresses the deep and interwoven complexity involved.

intensely complicated

Focuses on the high degree of complication.

advanced

Highlights the elevated level of skill or knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly technical" to describe processes, skills, or fields that require significant specialized knowledge. For example, "The software development process is "highly technical" and requires experienced programmers."

What are some alternatives to "highly technical"?

Some alternatives include "highly specialized", "extremely complex", or "technically demanding" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "highly technically"?

Yes, "highly technically" is generally considered redundant. The adverb "highly" already modifies the adjective "technical", so adding "technically" is unnecessary.

What's the difference between "technical" and "highly technical"?

"Technical" refers to skills or knowledge in a specific field, while ""highly technical"" implies a greater degree of complexity, specialization, or difficulty. A "highly technical" process requires deeper expertise than a merely technical one.