was highly commended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was highly commended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something received praise or recognition for their performance or achievements. Example: "The novel was highly commended by critics for its innovative storytelling and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

- Supplement of the Year - Observer Tech Monthly was highly commended.

The Guardian

Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw was highly commended.

The Guardian

- Cartoonist of the Year - The Observer's Chris Riddell was highly commended.

The Guardian

- Scoop of the Year - The Guardian was highly commended for its Edward Snowden Files revelations.

The Guardian

The Guardian website was highly commended in the Laureus Sports Website of the Year category.

The Guardian

- Broadsheet Columnist of the Year - The Guardian's Ian Jack was highly commended.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Iris Roberts and Luke Kempner were highly commended and Sophie Stone and James Britton got a special mention.

The Guardian

The overall winner was James Fletcher, and entries by Gioia Barnbrook and Josephine Go Jefferies were highly commended.

The Guardian

Scientific research from Japan has been highly commended by the International Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee.

The New York Times

The Guardian has won two awards and been highly commended in three at the 2014 Sports Journalists Association AwardsSports Journalists Association Awards

The Guardian

It has been highly commended in the Michelin guide and serves Breton food with a strong seafood theme.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was highly commended" when you want to emphasize that someone or something received significant positive acknowledgment, but not necessarily a top prize or award. It's a good way to highlight achievements that deserve recognition.

Common error

While "was highly commended" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing where stronger verbs like "was lauded" or "received high praise" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was highly commended" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject received significant positive acknowledgment or praise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its role in highlighting achievements without necessarily implying a top prize.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was highly commended" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote significant praise or recognition without implying a win. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It typically appears in news, academic, and professional contexts to highlight achievements. While effective, it's important to consider stronger alternatives like "was lauded" in more formal settings. Remember that this phrase signifies recognition for excellence, making it a valuable tool for acknowledging noteworthy contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received high praise

Emphasizes the reception of positive feedback or approval, shifting the focus from commendation to praise.

was lauded for

Indicates strong praise or acclaim, suggesting a higher degree of public acknowledgment.

was greatly appreciated

Focuses on the feeling of gratitude or value associated with the action or work, differing from formal commendation.

earned accolades

Highlights the acquisition of awards or honors, rather than simple commendation.

was celebrated for

Suggests a public expression of praise and honor, which can be stronger than simple commendation.

gained recognition

Stresses the act of being acknowledged or noticed, which may not always imply praise.

was honored for

Implies a formal acknowledgment of merit, often through an award or ceremony.

was well received

Indicates a positive reaction or acceptance, rather than explicit commendation.

was distinguished for

Focuses on setting apart or highlighting unique qualities, which is a less direct form of commendation.

stood out for

Emphasizes exceptional performance or qualities, often in comparison to others.

FAQs

What does "was highly commended" mean?

The phrase "was highly commended" means that someone or something received significant praise or recognition, often in a competition or evaluation where they didn't win outright but were recognized for their excellence.

What are some alternatives to "was highly commended"?

You can use alternatives like "received high praise", "was lauded for", or "was greatly appreciated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was highly commended" or "received an award"?

"Was highly commended" indicates recognition but not a top prize, while "received an award" implies winning a specific honor. The choice depends on the actual achievement you're describing.

How to use "was highly commended" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The project "was highly commended" by the judges for its innovation and impact."