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