tall

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tall" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe anything which is higher than average, either in terms of height or other dimensions. For example, "The Eiffel Tower is an extremely tall structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Lifestyle

Arts

Books

Tech

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a tall order.

The New York Times - Sports

If there is one thing that has occasionally held her back, it has been her movement, with her tall frame not always easy to manoeuvre quickly enough.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a tough hike and you need a map and compass but the rewards are stunning: views across shimmering waters to the isles of Rhum, Eigg and Skye, where the entire Cuillin ridge stands tall.

The Guardian - Travel

England have to be hoping to reach 110, perhaps 120 at a push, but it's a tall order from here.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: 'I start to feel it in my knees' – working for hours while standing proves a tall order The conspiracy theorists among you are probably thinking this is just a thinly disguised attempt by the standing desk lobby.

The Guardian - Opinion

The suspected thief is described as being white, 6ft tall, between 30 and 40 years old, of medium build, had a dark brown beard, wore a light grey hooded top with the hood pulled over his head, light blue jeans and black boot style training shoes.

The Guardian

The outcry helped prompt the city's first comprehensive zoning law requiring tall buildings to have "setbacks" at higher floors.

The Guardian

He is an aggressive player who also shows surprising speed with the ball for a guy so tall.

The Guardian - Sport

And she also came across David Cameron at a "gorgeous Gloucestershire party", writing that "in the flesh I found him amazingly attractive – tall, dark and definitely handsome".

The Guardian - Books

It is also likely to be the best of the new London towers: it was conceived more than a decade ago, when building tall was still considered such a privilege that planners, like medieval priests selling indulgences, could demand such things from developers as the generous Popas and general quality of design.

The Guardian - Arts

Directly over the river from Govan, on the north bank, the restored Clyde-built tall ship Glenlee is hosting an arts event to commemorate 100 years since the loss of another ship built here, the Lusitania, torpedoed and sunk in 1915, leaving 1,198 dead.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tall" to describe something that exceeds the average height within its category. For example, a "tall" building is higher than most buildings, and a "tall" person is taller than most people.

Common error

Avoid using "tall" to describe horizontal length. "Tall" specifically refers to vertical height. Use words like "long" or "extended" for horizontal measurements.

Linguistic Context

The word "tall" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that has a significant vertical extent, exceeding the average height. Ludwig confirms its correct and consistent usage across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Sport

11%

Travel

7%

Less common in

Lifestyle

7%

Arts

6%

Books

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "tall" is used to describe something exceeding average height. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in a variety of contexts. Predominantly featured in news and media, sports, and travel, its neutral register renders it fit for formal and informal communication. Alternatives like "high" or "towering" can be used to add nuance. Remember not to use "tall" for horizontal length.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high

Focuses more on the vertical distance or elevation.

towering

Implies an imposing height, often used for structures.

lofty

Suggests a great height, often with a sense of grandeur.

elongated

Emphasizes the length or stretching of something vertically.

giant

Indicates an exceptionally large size in height.

statuesque

Describes a tall and gracefully proportioned figure.

soaring

Suggests a rapid increase in height or elevation.

high-rise

Specifically refers to buildings with many stories.

sky-high

Indicates something extremely tall, reaching towards the sky.

six-foot

Provides a precise measurement of height.

FAQs

How can I use "tall" in a sentence?

"Tall" is typically used as an adjective to describe something with a greater-than-average height. For example, "That's a very tall building" or "He is a tall man".

What words can I use instead of "tall"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "high", "towering", or "lofty". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct: "a tall building" or "an tall building"?

"A tall building" is correct. Since "tall" begins with a consonant sound, the indefinite article "a" is used instead of "an".

What's the difference between "tall" and "high"?

"Tall" generally refers to the vertical dimension of an object or person, emphasizing its length from base to top. "High" is more general and can refer to altitude or elevation above a reference point. For example, a mountain is "high", while a person is "tall".