i thought highly of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I thought highly of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a positive opinion or admiration for someone or something in the past. Example: "I thought highly of her dedication to the project and her ability to inspire the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"I took him as a favor to a headmaster from a 'famous' school because the headmaster, who I thought highly of, gave his recommendation and thought that he had great potential," Mr. Stewart said in an e-mail.

The New York Times

I would sit with Harold Bloom with some regularity, hand over a book I thought highly of, say, by Jack Gilbert or McCarthy's Blood Meridian, and wait for him to refuse even to look.

The Guardian - Books

"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 that doctor, but hearing her name in that space, triggered an emotional muscle memory and I knew I wouldn't be back as a patient.

HuffPost

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I thought highly of", consider adding a specific detail or anecdote to illustrate why you held that person or thing in high esteem. This adds credibility and depth to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I thought highly of" repeatedly without explaining why. This can make your writing sound insincere or lacking in depth. Always provide supporting details or examples to justify your positive assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I thought highly of" functions as a declarative statement expressing a positive past evaluation or admiration for someone or something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the structure is grammatically sound and conveys a clear sentiment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I thought highly of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a past positive evaluation or admiration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, and professional settings. While versatile, it's essential to provide context and specifics to add sincerity and depth to your expression. Consider alternatives like "I had great respect for" or "I admired considerably" to tailor your message. Remember to use this phrase thoughtfully to effectively communicate your past positive sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I thought very well of

A slight variation in wording that maintains the same core meaning.

I had a high opinion of

Uses "opinion" instead of implying a direct positive evaluation.

I had great respect for

Directly expresses a strong feeling of respect.

I regarded highly

Employs a more formal tone with the verb "regarded".

I held in high regard

Emphasizes the act of consciously maintaining a positive perception.

I esteemed

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to express high regard.

I respected greatly

Focuses on respect as the primary emotion, rather than general admiration.

I admired considerably

Highlights admiration, suggesting a sense of wonder or approval.

I valued greatly

Focuses on the value or worth that the speaker assigned to the subject.

I thought the world of

An idiomatic expression indicating strong affection or appreciation.

FAQs

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

You can use "I thought highly of" to express your positive opinion or admiration for someone or something in the past. For example, "I thought highly of her dedication to the project and her ability to inspire the team".

What are some alternatives to "I thought highly of"?

You can use alternatives like "I respected greatly", "I admired considerably", or "I held in high regard" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, both are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "I think highly of" indicates your current opinion, while "I thought highly of" refers to a past opinion.

What's the difference between "I thought highly of" and "I liked"?

"I liked" simply expresses that you enjoyed something. "I thought highly of" implies a deeper respect or admiration, often based on character, skill, or accomplishments.