Skip to main content

High or tall?

We use high for mountains and for things which are a long way above the ground:

  • There are some high mountains in the north of the country.
  • The light switch is too high for a child to use.
warning

We don’t use high when we talk about people. We use tall:

  • Sally is very tall and slim – she could get a job as a model!
  • Not: Sally is very high and slim …
  • Tall people often get backache.

We use tall to describe things which are high and thin in their shape (e.g. buildings, trees):

  • The tall trees by the river give welcome shade on hot days.
  • You know that very tall, white building just where the motorway begins – that’s where I work.
See also
  • Measurements