much praised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much praised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has received a lot of positive recognition or acclaim. Example: "The much praised novel has won several literary awards and captivated readers worldwide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He was also much praised.

The Guardian

Much praised for its emotional complexity.

The Guardian - Film

His blog, The Natural World, has been much praised.

The New York Times

His 1999 album, Mule Variations, was also much praised.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When he had pointed us to our platform, Konrad took his leave, much thanked, much praised.

The New Yorker

"Generation War" has been much praised in Germany for its sense of accountability.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Amsterdam, too, has a much-praised logo.

The New Yorker

It added the much-praised "Gilmore Girls".

The New York Times - Arts

Those much-praised social programs have been cut back.

The New York Times - Sports

Also that day, Shane Meadows's much-praised "Somers Town".

The New York Times

Alas, a search online suggests the much-praised production has dissolved into oblivion.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "much praised", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is doing the praising (e.g., critics, audiences, contemporaries). This adds credibility and depth to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "much praised" when the praise is primarily subjective or based on personal opinion. Instead, use more specific qualifiers like "personally appreciated" or "well-liked among friends" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much praised" functions as a pre-modifying adjective, adding emphasis to the noun it describes by highlighting the extensive positive regard or acclaim associated with it. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

19%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much praised" is a versatile phrase used to denote significant positive recognition, typically functioning as an adjective. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "highly acclaimed" exist, "much praised" effectively conveys widespread approval. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the source of praise and avoidance of overuse in subjective contexts are key to maintaining writing precision and credibility. The phrase's widespread occurrence across authoritative sources reinforces its validity and utility in expressing established positive regard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highly acclaimed

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar level of praise.

Widely celebrated

Emphasizes the breadth of positive recognition.

Extensively lauded

Employs a more formal verb to indicate praise.

Greatly admired

Focuses on the feeling of admiration that accompanies the praise.

Critically acclaimed

Highlights the praise received from critics.

Highly regarded

Indicates that something is valued and respected.

Universally praised

Suggests that nearly everyone has praised something.

Received high praise

Uses a verb phrase to express the act of being praised.

Earned significant accolades

Highlights the awards and honors received.

Well received

Indicates a positive reception, though not necessarily extensive praise.

FAQs

What does "much praised" mean?

The phrase "much praised" means that something or someone has received a significant amount of positive feedback or acclaim.

How can I use "much praised" in a sentence?

You can use "much praised" to describe something that has received a lot of positive attention. For example: "The "highly acclaimed" film was "much praised" by critics for its innovative storytelling."

What are some alternatives to "much praised"?

Alternatives to "much praised" include "highly acclaimed", "widely celebrated", or "critically acclaimed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "much praised" and "well-received"?

"Much praised" implies a higher degree of positive recognition and enthusiasm, while "well-received" suggests a more general acceptance without necessarily extensive acclaim. You might use "well-received" when something is liked but not necessarily celebrated, and "much praised" for something like the "highly acclaimed" author's latest book.