tall
Describing something or someone that has a greater than average height. It is typically used for living things like people and trees, or narrow objects like buildings and towers.
Examples
3 of 5My brother is very tall and plays basketball.
My brother is very tall and plays basketball.
The cityscape is defined by several exceptionally tall towers.
The cityscape is defined by several exceptionally tall towers.
That guy is super tall!
That guy is super tall!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the two 'll's in the word 'tall' as two long legs or two high ladders reaching up.
Quick Quiz
The ______ building has over 100 floors.
Correct!
The correct answer is: tall
Examples
My brother is very tall and plays basketball.
everydayMy brother is very tall and plays basketball.
The cityscape is defined by several exceptionally tall towers.
formalThe cityscape is defined by several exceptionally tall towers.
That guy is super tall!
informalThat guy is super tall!
Tall structures must be engineered to withstand high wind speeds.
academicTall structures must be engineered to withstand high wind speeds.
We require a tall shelf to maximize vertical storage in the warehouse.
businessWe require a tall shelf to maximize vertical storage in the warehouse.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a tall order
a difficult task
a tall tale
an exaggerated or unbelievable story
stand tall
to be proud and confident
Often Confused With
Use 'tall' for narrow, upright things like people or trees; use 'high' for things far above the ground like mountains or clouds.
Use 'long' for horizontal distance; 'tall' is strictly for vertical height.
Usage Notes
Use 'tall' when describing the height of people, animals, and narrow objects like buildings. For mountains or objects that are wide as well as high, 'high' is often more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'He is very high' when describing height. In English, 'high' used for people usually means they are under the influence of drugs.
Memory Tip
Think of the two 'll's in the word 'tall' as two long legs or two high ladders reaching up.
Word Origin
From the Old English word 'getæl', which originally meant prompt, active, or swift.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, being tall is often associated with leadership roles or athletic prowess.
Quick Quiz
The ______ building has over 100 floors.
Correct!
The correct answer is: tall
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Descriptions words
huge
A1Something that is huge is extremely large in size, amount, or degree. It is a more powerful word than 'big' used to emphasize that something is much larger than normal.
giant
A1A giant is an imaginary creature that looks like a human but is much bigger and stronger. It is also used to describe a real person or thing that is very large or successful.
massive
A1Something that is massive is very, very large and heavy. It can also describe something that is much bigger or more powerful than usual.
short
A1Describes something that measures a small distance from one end to the other or is not tall in height. It is also used to describe a brief period of time or a limited amount of something.
narrow
A1Narrow describes something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. It is the opposite of wide and is often used to describe roads, paths, or spaces.
excellent
A1Something that is extremely good or of very high quality. It is used to praise someone's work, a specific object, or a positive experience.
wonderful
A1Something that is very good, pleasant, or makes you feel great admiration. It is used to describe things or experiences that are extremely enjoyable and high in quality.
nice
A1A word used to describe something that is pleasant, enjoyable, or attractive. It also describes a person who is kind, friendly, and polite to others.
ugly
A1Something that is unpleasant to look at and lacks beauty or attractiveness. It can also describe a situation, behavior, or sound that is very unpleasant, mean, or dangerous.
pretty
A1A person or object that is considered attractive or pleasing to look at. While mostly used as an adjective, as a noun it refers to decorative items or a charming person.
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