more highly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more highly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a greater degree of respect, value, or preference for something or someone compared to another. Example: "I regard her contributions to the project more highly than those of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Maybe they're more highly motivated".

The New York Times

These changes have rewarded acrobatics more highly.

The Economist

Only French Polynesia is more highly prized.

The Economist

Penn is much more highly selective.

The New Yorker

That requires more highly skilled workers.

The Economist

(Others thought more highly of them).

The New York Times - Food

Which will be valued more highly?

The New Yorker

Couldn't recommend it more highly.

The Guardian - Travel

It can employ more highly skilled staff.

The Guardian - Business

I cannot recommend it more highly.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

aldehydes are more highly-processed and more highly-oxidized products than alcohols.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more highly", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what is being valued or ranked higher, for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "more highly" with adjectives that are already absolute (e.g., 'more highly unique' is incorrect because 'unique' means one-of-a-kind).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more highly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a greater degree or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable, serving to intensify the adjective or verb it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more highly" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a greater degree of value, respect, or intensity across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using "more highly", ensure the comparison is clear and avoid pairing it with absolute adjectives. Alternative phrases, such as "to a greater extent" or "more favorably", can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a greater extent

Focuses on the degree or scope of something, rather than its value or ranking.

to a larger degree

Similar to 'to a greater extent', emphasizing the measurable scale of the increase.

with greater emphasis

Highlights increased importance or focus given to something.

more profoundly

Indicates a deeper or more significant impact.

with greater importance

Emphasizes the increased significance or value of something.

more intensely

Conveys a stronger or more forceful degree of something.

more favorably

Indicates a more positive or approving attitude or outcome.

with greater esteem

Implies a higher level of respect or admiration.

to a superior degree

Highlights the elevated level or quality achieved.

at a higher rate

Focuses on a faster pace or increased frequency.

FAQs

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

Use "more highly" to indicate a greater degree of value, respect, or intensity. For example, "I value her opinion "more highly" than his".

What are some alternatives to "more highly"?

You can use alternatives like "to a greater extent", "with greater emphasis", or "more favorably" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "highly more" instead of "more highly"?

No, the correct word order is "more highly". Placing "more" before "highly" is the standard and grammatically accepted form.

What is the difference between valuing something "more highly" and valuing it "more"?

Valuing something ""more highly"" implies a specific ranking or level of appreciation, whereas valuing something "more" simply suggests a greater amount of appreciation without necessarily indicating a specific level relative to other things.