think more highly of

USAGE SUMMARY

"think more highly of" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to have a higher opinion or regard for someone or something. Example: After working with her for a few months, I began to think more highly of my colleague's skills and dedication to her work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We think more highly of one another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People often think more highly of themselves than facts warrant.

Yale University

Does it make others think more highly of them?

The Guardian

It's kind of surprising that we didn't think more highly of ourselves.

The New York Times

"I certainly think more highly of those movies than they're thought of elsewhere," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think more highly of you now than when you walked in," Massari said he told Thibodeau.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

(Others thought more highly of them).

The New York Times - Food

Bethe thought more highly of him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Who thought more highly of Tony Blair because we knew he raised money from wealthy businessmen?

The Guardian - Opinion

African Americans, unlike either group of whites, thought more highly of the protesting players, compared with the white players.

The Washington Post

A study of individual investors by the economists Markus Glaser and Martin Weber, for instance, found that investors who thought more highly of their ability also traded more.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think more highly of" to express a change in opinion towards greater appreciation or respect. For example, "After seeing her dedication, I began to "think more highly of" her work ethic."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "think more highly of" excessively in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "respect" or "admire" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think more highly of" functions as a verb phrase, expressing an improved or elevated opinion of someone or something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to indicate a greater degree of appreciation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think more highly of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express an improved opinion or increased respect for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and common usage. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Related phrases include "have a greater regard for" and "hold in higher esteem". Using this phrase appropriately can enhance your writing by conveying a nuanced shift in perspective. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Academic texts and Scientific articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a greater regard for

Uses "regard" instead of "opinion", suggesting respect and admiration.

hold in higher esteem

Emphasizes respect and value, replacing "think" with "hold".

look up to

Implies admiration and respect, often towards a role model.

admire greatly

Focuses on admiration, replacing "think" with a direct expression of approval.

value more

Highlights the increased worth or importance attributed to someone or something.

respect increasingly

Emphasizes the growing respect for someone or something over time.

develop a deeper appreciation for

Suggests a growing understanding and valuing of someone or something.

gain a better impression of

Indicates an improved perception or judgment.

form a superior opinion of

Highlights the act of creating a more favorable view.

revere to a greater extent

Implies deep respect and admiration, often with a sense of awe.

FAQs

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

You can use "think more highly of" to express an improved opinion or increased respect. For example, "After his generous donation, the community began to "think more highly of" him."

What's a simpler way to say "think more highly of"?

Alternatives include "admire", "respect", or "have a greater regard for", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "think highly of" is also correct, but "think more highly of" implies a change or increase in your positive opinion. "Think highly of" simply indicates a positive opinion.

What's the difference between "think more highly of" and "respect"?

"Think more highly of" suggests a change in opinion towards greater appreciation or respect. "Respect" is a more general term for holding someone or something in esteem, without necessarily implying a change in opinion.