speak highly of
/spiːk ˈhaɪli ɒv/
Meaning
This phrase means to praise someone or something, or to express a very good opinion of them to others. When you speak highly of someone, you talk about their skills, character, or achievements in an enthusiastic and positive way. It is often used in professional recommendations, networking, and social introductions.
Examples
-
My previous manager spoke very highly of my work ethic during the reference call.
My previous manager spoke very highly of my work ethic during the reference call.
-
Everyone in the department speaks highly of the new director's leadership style.
Everyone in the department speaks highly of the new director's leadership style.
-
I decided to try that restaurant because my friends spoke highly of their pasta.
I decided to try that restaurant because my friends spoke highly of their pasta.
-
She always speaks highly of her mentor, who helped her start her career.
She always speaks highly of her mentor, who helped her start her career.
-
The professor spoke highly of your research paper in front of the whole class.
The professor spoke highly of your research paper in front of the whole class.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ He speaks high of his new colleague.
✓ He speaks highly of his new colleague.
You must use the adverb 'highly' to modify 'speak', not the adjective 'high'.
-
✗ My teacher spoke highly about my project.
✓ My teacher spoke highly of my project.
While 'about' is occasionally heard, the standard and most natural preposition to use with this idiom is 'of'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
Our mutual friend ___ you, so I was really looking forward to meeting you.
💡 Past tense. She praised you a lot.
Show answer
spoke highly of
-
If you do a great job on this project, the client will ___ you to other potential employers.
💡 Praise or recommend you to others.
Show answer
speak highly of