not that tall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not that tall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is relatively short compared to others or to express a moderate height. Example: "He’s not that tall, but he has a great presence on stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I am not that tall.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're tall, but we're not that tall".

The New Yorker

"She's not that tall," said Hubert Lacroix, the foundry's owner.

The New York Times - Arts

"The buildings are not that new and not that tall".

The New York Times

The bookcase is not that tall, only chest-high.

The New Yorker

"I think a lot of girls, they're not that tall, not that big," Hingis said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"She wasn't that tall; she wasn't that strong," Ms. Frochtengarten said.

The New York Times

"He wasn't that tall," Mr. Yoon added, "not a big guy".

The New York Times

"I'm not sure that tall trophy office buildings will ever be popular again in our lifetime anyplace in the world".

The New York Times

He wasn't rugged, he wasn't even that tall.

Huffington Post

My brother is not that much taller than me but he is a lot broader, and the suit weighed a ton.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not that tall", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being compared to. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures your meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid assuming "not that tall" always implies negativity. It's a neutral descriptor, and its connotation depends on the context. For example, in sports, "not that tall" can suggest agility or unexpected skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not that tall" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, used to describe the height of a noun. It indicates a relative lack of height compared to an implied standard or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not that tall" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjectival phrase to indicate a moderate or less-than-expected height. While it appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media. When writing, it's essential to ensure the context provides a clear reference point for comparison to avoid ambiguity. Remember that the phrase is neutral in tone, and its implication depends on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not especially tall

Highlights the lack of exceptional height.

relatively short

Positions the height in comparison to a reference point, suggesting it is shorter.

moderately short

Emphasizes a height that is below average but not extremely so.

not towering

Suggests the absence of an imposing or overwhelming height.

somewhat short

Indicates a mild degree of shortness.

of average height

Indicates the height is neither particularly tall nor short.

of limited height

Emphasizes the restricted or constrained nature of the height.

not particularly high

Shifts focus to the height of an object rather than a person.

vertically challenged

A euphemistic and humorous way of saying someone is short.

closer to the ground

Focuses on proximity to the ground rather than lack of height.

FAQs

How can I use "not that tall" in a sentence?

You can use "not that tall" to describe something that is relatively short or of moderate height compared to something else. For instance, "He is "not that tall", but he's incredibly strong."

What are some alternatives to "not that tall"?

Alternatives include "moderately short", "of average height", or "not especially tall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not so tall" instead of "not that tall"?

While both are grammatically correct, "not that tall" is more common in everyday conversation. "Not so tall" might be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts, but "not that tall" is generally more versatile.

What does it mean when someone says "He's not that tall, but..."?

This usually implies that the person's height is less than expected, but they possess other qualities that compensate for it. It sets up a contrast, suggesting height isn't the defining characteristic. The sentence will continue listing the positive or redeeming trait the person possesses.