too tall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too tall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that exceeds a certain height, often in a comparative context. Example: "The doorframe is too tall for me to reach without a ladder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Too tall.

The New Yorker

Not too tall.

The New Yorker

"No, I'm too tall.

The New York Times

Jennifer Lawrence was "too tall".

Independent

"I'm not too tall.

The New York Times

"That's too tall".

The New York Times - Style

Too Tall Q.

The New York Times

I'm too tall.

The Guardian - Film

Maybe even too tall?

The New Yorker

But maybe the task is too tall.

The New York Times

It just seemed too tall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical attributes, consider the context. Use "too tall" when height is a disadvantage or an issue, such as "The doorway was "too tall" for him to reach."

Common error

Avoid using "too tall" when you mean simply "very tall" or "impressively tall" in a positive sense. The phrase implies a problem or negative aspect associated with the height.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too tall" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the height is excessive or problematic. It indicates a height that exceeds a certain desirable or acceptable limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too tall" is a commonly used phrase indicating that something's height is excessive or problematic. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. It’s most often found in News & Media and Science, where it expresses physical limitations, aesthetic judgments, or technical constraints. When using the phrase, ensure that the context warrants a negative connotation associated with height. Alternatives such as "excessively high" or "prohibitively tall" may be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively high

Emphasizes the degree of height being beyond a normal or acceptable level.

overly high

Highlights that the height is more than what is needed or desired.

prohibitively tall

Suggests the height is so great that it creates an obstacle or prevents something.

unsuitably tall

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the height for a given purpose or situation.

disproportionately high

Implies the height is out of balance with other dimensions or features.

inordinately tall

Indicates the height is unusually or remarkably great.

remarkably tall

Highlights the noteworthiness or impressiveness of the height.

surprisingly tall

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the height.

awkwardly tall

Conveys that the height is cumbersome or causes discomfort.

taller than necessary

Directly states that the height exceeds what is required or useful.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "too tall"?

Use "too tall" when height is a disadvantage or problem. For example, "The shelf is "too tall" for me to reach" indicates that the height presents an inconvenience.

What are some alternative ways to say something is "too tall"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "excessively high", "overly high", or "prohibitively tall" to convey that something's height is problematic.

Is there a difference between "very tall" and "too tall"?

"Very tall" simply describes height, while "too tall" implies that the height is excessive or unsuitable. Using "too tall" adds a negative connotation related to the height.

Can "too tall" be used to describe people?

Yes, "too tall" can describe people, especially when their height presents a problem. For example, "He's "too tall" to fit comfortably in that car".