highly thought of

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly thought of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means that someone or something is respected and admired. For example, you might say, "John is a highly thought of teacher in the school district."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

TRUMP: He's highly thought of by everybody.

The New York Times

He's very highly thought of in Chile.

Independent

The multiple-adviser principle is highly thought of in Wash.

The New Yorker

"He came highly recommended, he's highly thought of".

The Guardian - Sport

"DeMint is highly thought of in conservative Republican circles.

The Guardian

It is brilliant that those bands are still highly thought of by the current generation".

The Guardian

But there are some green shoots and recently appointed chairman David Gregson is highly thought of.

The Guardian - Sport

Goddard agreed: "Schools that are highly thought of are doing this and getting results this way".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Is this young but highly thought of manager ready for the step up?

BBC

He's just come out with a memoir, which means nothing really, but is highly thought-of in a media-driven age.

The New York Times

"She's always been very highly thought-of," O'Brien said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly thought of" to convey widespread positive regard or respect for a person, idea, or entity. For example, "The new policy is "highly thought of" by employees".

Common error

Avoid using "highly thought of" when referring to a niche opinion. It's best suited for situations where the positive view is widely shared, rather than held by a select few.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly thought of" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is held in high regard or esteem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

BBC

18%

The Guardian

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly thought of" is a versatile and widely used expression to indicate that someone or something is greatly respected or admired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability across various contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples, this expression frequently appears in news articles and reports, highlighting its prevalence in mainstream communication. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. The frequency of "highly thought of" and the variety of sources where it appears demonstrates its reliability and acceptance as a standard English phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-regarded

A more concise alternative, implying respect and positive evaluation.

held in high esteem

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing respect.

highly respected

Focuses specifically on respect, rather than general approval.

admired

Emphasizes admiration, suggesting a feeling of approval and appreciation.

well-respected

Similar to "well-regarded", but places more emphasis on respect.

highly valued

Highlights the importance or worth placed on someone or something.

esteemed

A more formal and less common synonym for "respected".

looked up to

Suggests admiration and respect, often from a position of perceived lower status.

held in affection

Indicates fondness and warmth, in addition to respect.

of good repute

Focuses on the positive reputation or standing of someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "highly thought of" in a sentence?

You can use "highly thought of" to describe someone or something that is widely respected or admired. For example: "She is a "highly thought of scientist" in her field".

What is a synonym for "highly thought of"?

Some synonyms for "highly thought of" include "well-regarded", "respected", and "esteemed". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "highly think of" instead of "highly thought of"?

No, "highly think of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "highly thought of". The phrase "highly think of" sounds like a mistake.

What's the difference between "highly thought of" and "well-known"?

"Highly thought of" implies respect and admiration, while "well-known" simply means widely recognized or famous. Someone can be "well-known" without being "highly thought of", and vice versa.