was highly regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was highly regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something was respected and held in high regard. For example: "Mozart was highly regarded for his musical genius."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was highly regarded by his seniors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Externally, the sales exec was highly regarded.

Harvard Business Review

Still, its technology was highly regarded.

The New York Times

James was highly regarded at Sky.

The Guardian

Bourjaily was highly regarded as a teacher.

The New Yorker

He was highly regarded by his military peers.

The Washington Post

At home, Mr. Libensky was highly regarded as a teacher.

The New York Times - Arts

Draper said it was highly regarded in psychology circles.

The Guardian

He was highly regarded as an Islamic academic.

The Guardian

Lynen was highly regarded in the scientific community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mueller, a Vietnam War veteran, prosecutor and former FBI director, was highly regarded.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the specific nuance you want to convey. While "was highly regarded" is generally positive, alternatives may better emphasize certain aspects like respect, admiration, or value.

Common error

Avoid using "was highly regarded" in very informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler, more casual expressions like "was well-liked" or "was respected" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was highly regarded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received a high level of respect or admiration from others. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was highly regarded" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that someone or something was held in high esteem. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, although it can sound overly formal in informal settings. Its primary function is to convey a positive assessment. It's frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey and the level of formality required by the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was greatly esteemed

Replaces "highly regarded" with a synonym emphasizing deep respect and admiration.

was well respected

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey a similar meaning of admiration and good reputation.

was held in high esteem

Emphasizes the act of holding someone or something in a position of respect.

enjoyed a good reputation

Focuses on the positive reputation that someone or something possessed.

was favorably considered

Highlights that something or someone was viewed positively and with approval.

was much admired

Simple substitution indicating a feeling of positive appreciation by others.

was valued greatly

Emphasizes the high value placed on someone or something.

was well thought of

An idiomatic expression denoting that someone or something had a positive image.

commanded great respect

Suggests that someone or something inherently demanded and received respect.

was looked up to

Indicates admiration and the act of regarding someone as a role model.

FAQs

How can I use "was highly regarded" in a sentence?

You can use "was highly regarded" to describe someone or something that was held in high esteem. For example, "The professor "was highly regarded" by his students for his expertise and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "was highly regarded"?

Some alternatives include "was well respected", "was greatly esteemed", or "was held in high esteem". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was highly regarded by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was highly regarded by" is grammatically correct. It indicates who held the subject in high regard. For example, "The solution "was highly regarded" by the committee."

What's the difference between "was highly regarded" and "is highly regarded"?

"Was highly regarded" refers to a past state of being, while "is highly regarded" refers to a present state. For example, "The scientist "was highly regarded" during his lifetime," versus "The scientist's work "is highly regarded" today."