think a great deal of

think a great deal of or "think a lot of" also "think much of"  {v. phr.}

To consider to be very worthy, valuable, or important; to esteem highly.

Mary thinks a great deal of Tim.

The teacher thought a lot of Joe's project.

- The phrase "think much of" is usually used in negative sentences.

Father didn't think much of Paul's idea of buying a goat to save lawn mowing.

Contrast: THINK LITTLE OF.