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