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.