too tall for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too tall for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that exceeds a certain height limit for a specific purpose or context. Example: "He is too tall for the roller coaster, so he can't ride it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm too tall for an Empire waist.

The New Yorker

"I don't want to be too tall for you," she cried.

The New Yorker

"In my school days, everyone thought I'm too tall for a Chinese girl.

The New York Times

It was too tall for him to get his snout in.

The New Yorker

A French coach gave her a replacement that was too tall for Belmondo.

The New York Times

"At 5 foot 9, I was too tall for most leading men.

The New York Times

People who live nearby have opposed the tower, saying it is too tall for the neighborhood.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm at the helm when several fins rise – far too tall for dolphins.

The Guardian - Travel

"I think you're too tall for this one," Lim said, gently.

The New Yorker

I'm too old for Narnia, too tall for The Shire and Wonderland's far too trippy.

The Guardian - Opinion

(SoHo residents said the 26-story building was too tall for the neighborhood).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust your language accordingly. In formal settings, more precise terms like "exceeds the permissible height" might be more appropriate than the general phrase "too tall for".

Common error

Avoid using "too tall for" without specifying what the subject is too tall for. For example, instead of saying "He is too tall", specify "He is "too tall for" the doorway".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too tall for" primarily functions as a modifier, indicating that something exceeds a certain height limitation or is unsuitable because of its excessive height. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as describing physical objects, buildings, or even people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too tall for" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes something exceeding a specific height limit or being unsuitable due to excessive height. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is predominantly used in news and media contexts, with occasional appearances in scientific and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies what the subject is "too tall for" to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "exceeds the height limit" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not suitable due to height

Rephrases to directly state that height is the reason for unsuitability.

exceeds the height limit for

Focuses on surpassing a specific measurement or restriction, rather than a subjective assessment of suitability.

over the height requirement for

Highlights non-compliance with a certain specification.

exceeding the vertical limit for

Focuses on the vertical dimension being over the limit.

taller than permissible for

Uses a more formal tone to express being above the allowed height.

extends beyond the acceptable height for

Expresses exceeding a height in an official or technical manner.

surpasses the maximum height for

Emphasizes exceeding an upper boundary, in a formal way.

is above the threshold height for

Replaces "too tall" with the concept of surpassing a predetermined threshold.

too lengthy for

Switches from height to length, focusing on the overall dimension.

not short enough for

Presents the inverse perspective, emphasizing the lack of shortness as the disqualifying factor.

FAQs

How can I use "too tall for" in a sentence?

You can use "too tall for" to indicate that someone or something exceeds a height limit or isn't suitable because of its height. For example: "The building is "too tall for" the neighborhood" or "He is "too tall for" the ride".

What are some alternatives to "too tall for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exceeds the height limit for", "not suitable due to height", or "over the height requirement for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "too tall for" or "exceeds the height requirement"?

It depends on the context. "Too tall for" is more informal and commonly used in everyday language. "Exceeds the height requirement" is more formal and suitable for technical or official documents.

What does it mean when something is described as "too tall for" its location?

It typically means that the object's height is disproportionate or incompatible with its surroundings, possibly obstructing views, clashing with the aesthetic, or violating zoning regulations. For example, "The proposed building is "too tall for" the historic district".