i think highly of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think highly of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express admiration or respect for someone or something. Example: "I think highly of her work ethic and dedication to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I think highly of myself.

The New York Times

I think highly of them, very much so.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think highly of his tax package," said Senator Don Nickles of Oklahoma.

The New York Times

His take on Ms. Whitman: "I think highly of Meg as a C.E.O.

The New York Times

"I think highly of myself and I think you have to," said Maggette, who has a bodybuilder's physique.

The New York Times - Sports

James Woolsey, the former head of the C.I.A., said of Hamza, "I think highly of him and I have no reason to disbelieve the claims that he's made".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I thought highly of him as a cook and as a man".

The New York Times

"What is this LinkedIn thing anyway," I asked myself, "some sort of pyramid scam?" I thought highly of the person who sent me the invitation, so I went to the LinkedIn Web site to see what it was about.

Science Magazine

I thought highly of the two previous productions I've seen of "The Iceman Cometh" but left them both feeling I needn't ever sit through the play again.

Los Angeles Times

"I'm full of confidence and not only the gaffer, but the lads in there, I do think highly of them, they're a top bunch of lads and we're all there for each other.

BBC

Nothing would be served by war crimes tribunals or impeachment proceedings brought against Blair, and I still think highly of much of Blair's record and approach to politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, follow it with a specific reason or example to make your statement more impactful and sincere.

Common error

Avoid using "I think highly of" when your actual sentiment is neutral or negative. Sincerity enhances the phrase's positive impact; insincere use diminishes it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think highly of" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a positive assessment or judgment about a person, idea, or thing. As noted by Ludwig, it is a common expression to show appreciation or respect. Examples in the search results showcase its usage across various contexts to express admiration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think highly of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express admiration and respect, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile, suitable for both neutral and professional settings. For greater impact, follow it with a specific reason. Alternatives include "I admire" and "I respect". Be mindful of sincerity to maintain the phrase's positive effect. While versatile, tailoring your word choice to your context and audience is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i think well of

This alternative is a simpler and slightly less emphatic version of the original phrase.

i have a high opinion of

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing a positive judgment.

i admire

This alternative is a more direct and concise expression of admiration.

i hold in high regard

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way of expressing respect.

i respect

This alternative emphasizes respect rather than general admiration.

i esteem

This alternative is a more formal and less common synonym for admire.

i appreciate

This alternative focuses on appreciating someone's qualities or actions.

i value

This alternative highlights the importance or worth you place on someone or something.

i look up to

This alternative implies admiration and respect, often for someone considered a role model.

i am impressed by

This alternative emphasizes the positive impact someone or something has had on you.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I think highly of" someone?

Saying "I think highly of" someone means that you have a great deal of respect and admiration for them, typically because of their skills, qualities, or accomplishments.

What can I say instead of "I think highly of"?

You can use alternatives like "I admire", "I respect", or "I have a high opinion of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I think highly of" in formal settings?

Yes, "I think highly of" is generally appropriate for formal settings, especially when expressing appreciation or recognizing someone's contributions. More formal alternatives like "I hold in high regard" may also be suitable.

How can I make my statement stronger when saying "I think highly of" someone?

To strengthen your statement, follow "I think highly of" with specific reasons or examples that illustrate the person's qualities or achievements. This adds sincerity and impact to your message.