Grammar fix
think highly of someone
admire someone
To have a very good opinion of someone's character or abilities.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I think highly of Maya because she always treats people fairly.
I think highly of my old maths teacher because he made difficult ideas feel manageable, even for students who were struggling.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I think high of my manager.
Say: I think highly of my manager.
Use the adverb 'highly', not the adjective 'high', in this expression.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Respect and admire someone
How personalOpinionRole model
think highly of someoneYou're here · Express a favourable opinion of someone's character or abilities.
hold someone in high regardMore formal: express strong respect for someone.look up toAdmire someone as an example, often someone older or experienced.