think very highly of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think very highly of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong positive opinion or admiration for someone or something. Example: "I think very highly of her work ethic and dedication to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think very highly of Roger".

The New York Times

"People think very highly of him.

The New York Times - Sports

"We think very highly of Long Island," Mr. Melfi said.

The New York Times

"We think very highly of Herman, Mr. Goodmann said.

The New York Times

You know, I think very highly of Hillary.

The New Yorker

"I think very highly of Hillary," he said.

The New York Times

And I think very highly of Senator Clinton's record.

The New York Times

You may think very highly of your tech skills, but they alone won't get you far.

Stanford University

"And as a result, I didn't think very highly of Joe and what he was demanding".

The New York Times - Sports

DANIEL C. MURPHY San Francisco, Feb. 25, 2007 I think very highly of Michael R. Gordon.

The New York Times

Which must mean that the sisters don't think very highly of talk radio.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using the phrase. While generally appropriate, it can sometimes sound slightly formal, so adjust your language accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "think very highly of" in extremely casual conversations where simpler expressions of approval would suffice. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think very highly of" functions as a verb phrase used to express a strong, positive evaluation or judgment about someone or something. It indicates admiration, respect, or a favorable opinion, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think very highly of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express strong admiration or respect. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase functions as a verb phrase and is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. For those seeking alternative expressions, options like "hold in high regard" or "admire greatly" provide similar connotations, though considering the context is crucial. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly casual settings to maintain natural speech. Overall, understanding the appropriate use and context can help improve clarity and effectiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold in high regard

Emphasizes respect and esteem, often used in formal contexts.

have a high opinion of

Similar to "think highly of", but emphasizes the opinion held.

have a great deal of respect for

Directly expresses respect, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

admire greatly

Focuses on admiration, highlighting a feeling of approval and appreciation.

rate very highly

Expresses a high assessment or evaluation of someone or something.

esteem highly

A more formal way to express high regard, often used in professional or academic contexts.

value greatly

Highlights the importance or worth placed on someone or something.

think much of

A simpler, more casual way to express a positive opinion.

appreciate deeply

Focuses on gratitude and recognition of worth.

look up to

Implies admiration and respect, often used for role models or mentors.

FAQs

What does it mean to "think very highly of" someone?

To "think very highly of" someone means to have a strong positive opinion of them, admiring their qualities, achievements, or character.

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

You can use "think very highly of" in a sentence like this: "I "think very highly of" her dedication to her work."

What are some alternatives to "think very highly of"?

You can use alternatives such as "hold in high regard", "admire greatly", or "have a high opinion of".

Is it grammatically correct to say "think very highly of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a common idiom used to express a strong positive opinion.