tail

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to the lower back part of an animal or an object with a long thin end (e.g. a comet or a kite), or it can be used as a verb to mean to follow closely or chase after someone. Example sentence: The cat's tail twitched as she stalked the mouse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you think of us as a comet, we've got the bright, shiny head, but we're not dragging along a giant tail," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Related: Liverpool 2-1 QPR | Premier League match report It was no more than Villa deserved on the balance of play, with Fabian Delph catching the eye alongside Cleverley in front of the watching Roy Hodgson, although there was nearly a sting in the tail when Phil Jagielka pulled a goal back for Everton in injury time.

The Guardian - Sport

I know from friends who have a much longer claim-free period, that the savings tend to tail off".

The Guardian - Money

This third collection by the Irish poet is full of luminous imagery and sometimes a gentle, almost wistful, touch, as in "Brigie": "When you smile in your sleep / I think of the seal's tail / whispering above the waves, / slipping back again into the deep".

The Guardian - Books

I had never been much good at pin the tail on the donkey when a child; now the suppressed laughter of the actors on stage left me in no doubt.

The Guardian

The bottom tail matters: Labour – by focusing on the top – does not have its priorities right.

The Guardian

"Before I was ill, I was chasing my tail, not smelling the roses, all the cliches.

The Guardian - Film

That's not necessarily set in stone – perhaps it'll turn out that people love American Idol more than they love Simon Cowell, and it'll be Cowell who has to limp home with his tail between his legs – but it's still the biggest threat that Idol has faced so far.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On the occasions we'd row, she'd paw at the aggressor, licking their face and wagging her tail until it was impossible to argue any more for giggling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In other words, the social web is a place of stark power law distributions – a tiny number of people commanding all of the attention, while the vast majority languish on the long tail, heard, seen and read by almost nobody.

The Guardian - Opinion

("My first post was a picture of Donald Trump Jr holding the tail of an elephant he killed. What a douche").

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing animals, use "tail" to vividly portray movement or emotion, such as "wagging its tail" or "tucking its tail between its legs".

Common error

Avoid confusing "tail", which refers to a posterior appendage, with "tale", which means a story or narrative. Ensure you're using the correct spelling based on the context.

Linguistic Context

The word "tail" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the posterior appendage of an animal or the rear part of an object. It can also function as a verb, meaning to follow someone surreptitiously. Ludwig AI examples show both usages are common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Film

10%

Books

10%

Travel

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tail" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun to describe the rear appendage of an animal or object. It also serves as a verb meaning to follow someone secretly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While its register is generally neutral, it appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle. When using "tail", be mindful of its spelling to avoid confusion with "tale". By understanding its different functions and contexts, you can effectively incorporate "tail" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rear end

Focuses specifically on the posterior part of an animal or object.

hindquarters

Emphasizes the back portion of an animal, particularly its legs and adjacent area.

caudal appendage

A more formal and scientific term for the "tail", highlighting its anatomical aspect.

end

A simple substitute indicating the terminal part of something.

back

Refers to the posterior surface or part of something.

reverse side

Emphasizes the side opposite the front or primary surface.

latter part

Indicates the concluding section or phase of an event or period.

train

Can refer to a trailing part or retinue following something.

rump

Specifically denotes the fleshy back part of an animal's body.

shadow

As a verb, referring to the act of closely following someone.

FAQs

How can I use "tail" in a sentence?

You can use "tail" to describe the rear part of an animal (e.g., "The dog wagged its tail"), an object (e.g., "The kite had a long tail"), or to mean following someone closely (e.g., "The detective had to tail the suspect").

What can I say instead of "tail" when referring to the end of something?

You can use alternatives like "rear end", "back", or "latter part" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "tail" and "tale"?

"Tail" refers to the rear appendage of an animal or the rear part of something, while "tale" refers to a story or narrative. They are homophones with different meanings and spellings.

When is it appropriate to use "tail" as a verb?

It is appropriate to use "tail" as a verb when you mean to follow someone closely or to shadow them, often in a secretive or investigative context.