speak highly of

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak highly of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express admiration for someone or something. Example sentence: My family always speaks highly of my sister for her dedication to her career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other general managers do not envy Minaya, but they speak highly of his ability to get the job done.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, many of Owens's teammates speak highly of him.

The New York Times - Sports

Independent elections experts speak highly of it as well.

The Washington Post

Journalists who became Obama operatives speak highly of the experience.

The Washington Post

People speak highly of the one in Nebraska.

The New York Times

Do others in the company speak highly of them or see them as outcasts?

The New York Times

Those who have worked with her speak highly of her abilities.

The Guardian

And playful spirits speak highly of Dr. Filibuster's Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks.

The New York Times

The squad and the staff speak highly of him, and not just publicly.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Riley is one of many architects who speak highly of Ikea products.

The New York Times

Merrill bankers who have worked with Mr. Kim speak highly of his trading acumen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speak highly of", ensure the subject genuinely holds a positive opinion. Avoid using it sarcastically or insincerely.

Common error

While "speak highly of" is versatile, avoid overusing it in exclusively formal writing. Consider more sophisticated synonyms like "extol" or "laud" to enhance your vocabulary and writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak highly of" functions as a predicative expression, indicating the act of expressing positive opinions or admiration about someone or something. As evidenced by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "speak highly of" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression for conveying admiration or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less common in highly formal writing where more sophisticated synonyms might be preferred. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by academic and scientific sources. When writing, it's crucial to use "speak highly of" when you want to genuinely express a positive opinion and avoid overuse in excessively formal settings. Alternatives like "praise enthusiastically" or "express admiration for" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think highly of

Similar meaning but refers more to one's personal opinion.

praise enthusiastically

Emphasizes the intensity and fervor of the praise.

hold in high regard

Implies respect and esteem.

express admiration for

Focuses on the feeling of admiration being conveyed.

give a glowing review of

Highlights the positive assessment or evaluation.

commend greatly

Formal and emphasizes the act of praising publicly.

endorse wholeheartedly

Highlights complete and unreserved support.

rave about

Suggests excessive enthusiasm and excitement.

laud extensively

Indicates formal and widespread praise.

extol the virtues of

Focuses on praising the positive qualities or merits.

FAQs

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

You can use "speak highly of" to describe someone expressing admiration or approval for something. For example, "The manager "spoke highly of" the employee's performance during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "speak highly of"?

Alternatives to "speak highly of" include "praise enthusiastically", "express admiration for", or "think highly of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "speak highly of" and "think highly of"?

"Speak highly of" typically implies expressing positive opinions to others, while "think highly of" refers to having a positive opinion internally, regardless of whether it's voiced.

When is it appropriate to use "speak highly of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "speak highly of" in both formal and informal writing when you want to convey genuine admiration or approval. Ensure the context aligns with the sincerity of the phrase.