What is tall? Pronunciation and usage in English

tall means . Learn how to pronounce and use tall through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tall

talladjective

/tɔːl/
Definition & pronunciation of tall

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tall" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and they're subtly different:

1. The most common pronunciation (rhymes with "ball"):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /tɔːl/
  • How to say it: Think of the word "ball." The "t" is silent. The "a" sound is similar to the "a" in "father" or "car." The "ll" is pronounced as a single, blended sound. It's a slightly longer vowel sound than the "a" in "cat."
  • Emphasis: There's a slight emphasis on the first syllable ("tɔ").

2. A less common, older pronunciation (rhymes with "pal"):

  • IPA: /tɑːl/
  • How to say it: Similar to the first pronunciation, but with a slightly shorter "a" sound, more like the "a" in "father."
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("tɑ").

Which one should you use?

The first pronunciation (/tɔːl/) is overwhelmingly the most common in modern American and British English. Unless you're deliberately trying to sound old-fashioned, you should almost always use the "ball" pronunciation.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Forvoiced.com: [https://forvo.com/word/%C3%B Ctall/](https://forvo.com/word/%C3%B Ctall/) – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce tall" on YouTube – you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What dialect of English are you trying to speak (e.g., American, British, Australian)?

Usage and examples with the word tall in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tall" in English! It's a common and versatile word, but it has a few different uses. Here's a breakdown:

1. Describing Height (Most Common)

  • Physical Height: This is the most frequent use. We use "tall" to describe someone's height.

    • "He is a tall man."
    • "She is tall and graceful."
    • "The building is very tall."
    • "My son is getting taller every year."

  • Objects: You can also describe the height of objects.

    • “That’s a tall bookcase.”
    • “The tallest tree in the park is over 100 feet.”

2. Describing Something is Elevated or Upright

  • Position: "Tall" can mean upright or raised.

    • “The flag was flying tall.” (Meaning it was held high and erect.)
    • "He stood tall against the criticism." (Meaning he stood confidently and proudly.)

  • Structures: It describes structures that are high.

    • “A tall chimney.”
    • “A tall tower.”

3. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses

  • Impressive/Significant: Sometimes "tall" is used figuratively to describe someone who is impressive, accomplished, or stands out in a positive way. This usage is less common but important to be aware of.

    • "He’s a tall order to please." (meaning he’s difficult to satisfy) – This is a somewhat old-fashioned saying.
    • "She's a tall woman in her field." (meaning she's very successful)

  • Tall Tale: (Informal) A "tall tale" is an exaggerated story.

    • “He told a tall tale about his fishing trip.”

4. Comparative and Superlative Forms

  • Comparative (comparing two things): Use “taller”

    • "He is taller than his brother."
    • “That building is taller than the one next door."

  • Superlative (comparing three or more things): Use "tallest"

    • “He is the tallest student in the class.”
    • “That’s the tallest mountain in the range.”

Tips for Using "Tall" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the context to understand whether it's describing physical height, a position, or used figuratively.
  • Adjectives before "Tall": When describing a person's height, it's usually best to use an adjective before "tall." (e.g., "a tall woman," not "the woman tall.")
  • Don't Overuse: While “tall” is a useful word, try to vary your vocabulary when describing height. Consider words like "high," "towering," "lofty," "statuesque," or “heightened.”

Resources for More Examples:

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Synonyms for the word tall

Idioms of the word tall

be a tall order
(informal)to be very difficult to do
    great/tall oaks from little acorns grow
    (saying)something large and successful often begins in a very small way
      stand tall
      (especially North American English)to show that you are proud and able to deal with anything
      • Suddenly he seemed to stand taller.
      walk tall
      to feel proud and confident

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