thought well of

USAGE SUMMARY

"thought well of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a positive opinion or regard for someone or something. Example: "She was always thought well of by her colleagues." Alternative expressions include "held in high regard," "well regarded," and "esteemed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Poe thought well of himself.

The New Yorker

The two knew and thought well of each other.

The New Yorker

Then she thought, Well, of course I should do this.

The New Yorker

John F. Kennedy, it turns out, thought well of James K. Polk.

The New Yorker

Though I have always thought well of Putin, there is no movement".

The New York Times

Each week I thought: Well, of course these pretty, witty girls are alone and bitter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I think well of Ben, Mr. Shargell said yesterday.

The New York Times

Business still thinks well of Mr Brown's macroeconomics.

The Economist

"I think, well, of course it's doable.

The Guardian

"We tried to think well of Apple," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

Is it important that people think well of you?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought well of" to convey a positive opinion or high regard for someone or something. Ensure the context clearly indicates who holds this positive opinion and about whom or what it is held.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct word order: "thought well of". The phrasing "thought of well" is less common and can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought well of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a positive assessment or favorable opinion. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which demonstrates its frequent use in various contexts to indicate that someone is viewed positively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought well of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express a positive opinion or high regard. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. Alternatives like "held in high regard" or "respected greatly" can be used to add nuance. Remember to maintain the correct word order and consider the context to ensure appropriateness. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and wide applicability in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thought highly of

A more formal variant of the original phrase.

held in high regard

Emphasizes the level of respect more explicitly.

respected greatly

Focuses on the significant level of respect.

had a positive opinion of

More directly states having a favorable view.

had a good impression of

Focuses on the positive feeling left by someone or something.

approved of

Suggests a more formal endorsement or agreement.

admired greatly

Highlights feelings of admiration and esteem.

esteemed highly

Indicates a formal and profound respect.

rated very favorably

Describes an evaluation that resulted in a positive assessment.

valued their input

Specifically refers to appreciating someone's contributions.

FAQs

How can I use "thought well of" in a sentence?

You can use "thought well of" to indicate that someone has a positive opinion or high regard for something or someone. For example, "She was always "held in high regard" by her colleagues."

What's the difference between "thought well of" and "thought highly of"?

Both phrases convey a positive opinion, but "thought highly of" can imply a slightly stronger level of admiration or respect. "Thought well of" is generally used for general approval, while "thought highly of" emphasizes exceptional esteem.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "thought well of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "respected greatly", "admired greatly", or "held in high regard". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "thought well of"?

Yes, the phrase is generally appropriate in most formal and informal contexts when expressing a positive opinion. However, ensure that the language suits the overall tone and register of your writing or speech.