Many English learners pause when they want to give advice. They know the verb recommend, but they are not sure which word sounds right before it.
Should it be strongly recommend or highly recommend? Both sound correct. Both are used by native speakers. So why does this small choice feel stressful?
The confusion happens because both phrases are very close in meaning. They both show strong support. They both sound polite.
And in many situations, people use them without thinking. For a learner, that makes things harder, not easier.
This topic matters because recommend is a daily-life verb. You recommend a movie, a doctor, a teacher, a course, a phone, or a restaurant.
If you choose the wrong word, your sentence may still be understood, but it may not sound natural. Sometimes it may sound too serious. Sometimes too weak.
After reading this guide, you will clearly understand:
- What strongly really means in English
- What highly really means in English
- How native speakers feel when they hear each phrase
- When both are correct and when one is better
- How to use them in normal conversation without fear
Everything is explained in simple English, like a teacher talking to students in a classroom.
What Does “Strongly” Mean?
Strongly means with great force, firm feeling, or deep seriousness. It shows that the speaker feels very sure and very serious about something.
When you use strongly, you are not being casual. You are showing a clear, firm opinion. Many times, it sounds like advice that should not be ignored.
When to Use “Strongly”
Use strongly when:
- You feel something is very important
- You want to warn or protect someone
- You are giving serious advice
- The situation has risks or consequences
It often appears in rules, warnings, formal advice, or emotional opinions.
Grammar Rule
Strongly is an adverb.
It usually comes before the main verb.
- strongly + verb
- strongly recommend
- strongly believe
- strongly advise
Example Sentences
- I strongly recommend seeing a doctor.
- Teachers strongly advise students to arrive early.
- I strongly believe honesty matters.
- The guide strongly warns against speeding.
- She strongly supports this idea.
- We strongly suggest reading the instructions.
- Parents strongly oppose this plan.
Common Learner Confusion
Many learners think strongly only means “very.” That is not true.
Strongly is not just about level. It is about force and seriousness.
That is why “strongly recommend a pizza” can sound strange. Pizza is fun, not serious.
What Does “Highly” Mean?
Highly means to a high degree or with great respect and approval. It sounds positive, polite, and smooth.
When you use highly, you sound calm and confident, not forceful. Native speakers often use it in friendly advice and professional talk.
When to Use “Highly”
Use highly when:
- You want to praise something
- You are giving friendly advice
- You want to sound polite and professional
- You talk about quality or value
It is common in reviews, emails, workplaces, and daily conversations.
Grammar Rule
Highly is also an adverb.
It comes before the main verb, just like strongly.
- highly + verb
- highly recommend
- highly respect
- highly appreciate
Example Sentences
- I highly recommend this movie.
- She is highly respected in her field.
- We highly appreciate your help.
- This course is highly rated.
- I highly suggest trying this café.
- He is a highly skilled worker.
- The book comes highly recommended.
Common Learner Confusion
Some learners think highly sounds weak. It does not.
Highly recommend still shows strong approval.
It is just softer and friendlier than strongly recommend.
Difference Between Strongly Recommend and Highly Recommend
This is where things become clear.
Both phrases show support.
But they feel different to native ears.
Quick Comparison Table
| Point | Strongly Recommend | Highly Recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling | Serious, firm | Positive, friendly |
| Tone | Forceful | Polite |
| Emotion | Strong opinion | Strong approval |
| Common Use | Warnings, advice | Reviews, suggestions |
| Formality | More formal | Neutral to formal |
| Risk Level | Often high | Usually low |
Usage Difference
- Strongly recommend sounds like:
“Please do this. It really matters.” - Highly recommend sounds like:
“This is very good. You will probably like it.”
Grammar Logic
English uses adverbs to show how we feel about an action.
- Strongly shows emotional force
- Highly shows quality and value
That is why:
- strongly recommend = serious advice
- highly recommend = positive suggestion
Sentence Structure Difference
Both follow the same grammar pattern.
The difference is meaning and feeling, not structure.
- I strongly recommend + noun/verb
- I highly recommend + noun/verb
Meaning Comparison in Simple Words
Think of it like this:
- Strongly = serious voice, firm face
- Highly = smiling voice, friendly face
Grammar Rules You Must Remember
Rule One: Both Modify the Verb
They describe recommend, not the object.
- Correct: I highly recommend this book.
- Wrong: I recommend highly this book.
Rule Two: Do Not Mix Emotional Levels
Do not use strongly for light things.
- Awkward: I strongly recommend this ice cream.
- Natural: I highly recommend this ice cream.
Rule Three: Formal Writing Likes “Highly”
Emails, reviews, and reports prefer highly recommend.
- We highly recommend this solution.
Rule Four: Serious Advice Likes “Strongly”
Health, safety, rules, and warnings prefer strongly recommend.
- Doctors strongly recommend quitting smoking.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Why These Mistakes Happen
Learners often translate directly from their own language.
They also learn both words as “very,” which causes confusion.
Mistake One: Using Strongly for Everything
- Wrong: I strongly recommend this song.
- Correct: I highly recommend this song.
Mistake Two: Thinking One Is Always Better
Both are correct. The situation decides.
Mistake Three: Word Order Problems
- Wrong: I recommend strongly this course.
- Correct: I strongly recommend this course.
Easy Correction Tips
Ask yourself one question:
Is this serious advice or friendly praise?
Your answer gives you the right word.
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
Imagine two scenes.
Scene One: Doctor Talking
The doctor looks serious and says,
“I strongly recommend surgery.”
This feels important and heavy.
Scene Two: Friend Talking
Your friend smiles and says,
“I highly recommend that café.”
This feels friendly and happy.
Strongly = serious situations
Highly = positive experiences
That small picture can guide you every time.
Daily Life Examples You Will Hear
- I highly recommend this YouTube channel.
- The teacher strongly recommends daily practice.
- I highly recommend trying local food.
- Doctors strongly recommend enough sleep.
- She highly recommends that phone.
- Parents strongly recommend wearing helmets.
- I highly recommend this English app.
- Experts strongly recommend saving money early.
- My colleague highly recommends this hotel.
These sentences sound natural to native speakers.
Practice Section
Choose the better option.
- I ___ recommend this book to beginners.
a) strongly
b) highly - Doctors ___ recommend regular exercise.
a) strongly
b) highly - I ___ recommend this movie. It was amazing.
a) strongly
b) highly - Teachers ___ recommend completing homework.
a) strongly
b) highly - I ___ recommend this restaurant to my friends.
a) strongly
b) highly
Answers
- b
- a
- b
- a
- b
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between strongly recommend and highly recommend?
Both show support, but strongly recommend sounds serious and firm, while highly recommend sounds positive and friendly.
Can we use these phrases in questions?
Yes.
Example: Would you highly recommend this course?
Is highly recommend formal or informal?
It works in both. It is common in emails, reviews, and polite speech.
Is strongly recommend rude?
No, but it can sound intense. Use it when the topic is important.
Can both be used in writing?
Yes. Choose based on tone, not grammar.
Which one do native speakers use more?
Highly recommend is more common in daily conversation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between strongly recommend and highly recommend is not about grammar rules alone. It is about feeling. English is full of these small choices that change the tone, not the meaning.
Use strongly recommend when advice matters and risks are real.
Use highly recommend when you want to praise and suggest something good.
Do not stress about being perfect. Native speakers mix them too. What matters is sounding natural and clear.
Practice by listening, reading, and using both in your own sentences. Over time, your ear will guide you better than rules ever can.
You are doing well. Keep going.
I am Matthew Collins, an English language educator and content writer passionate about simplifying grammar and improving communication skills. I create clear, practical, and engaging lessons to help learners build confidence in English.