trying to be taller vs trying to be tall

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Trying to be taller' implies an ongoing effort to increase one's height, which is not physically possible for adults. On the other hand, 'trying to be tall' can refer to making oneself appear taller through posture, clothing, or other means.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 986 views

This phrase is correct and can be used when someone is making an effort to increase their height, even though it is not physically possible for adults.

"trying to be taller"

This phrase is used when someone is attempting to become taller, even though it may not be achievable through natural means. It can imply a desire for increased height or a wish to appear taller.

Examples:

She was trying to be taller by wearing high heels.
He kept stretching every day, trying to be taller.
The doctor told her that trying to be taller at her age was not possible.
I wish I could grow more, but trying to be taller is not something I can control.
The company claimed their product could help in trying to be taller, but the results were questionable.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 24, 2010 ... Company Directory · Product Locator · Part Search. Advertisement. Home > Archive > Trying to be innovative is like trying to be taller ...
Explore your creativity and gain access to over 15 million premiere images at an affordable price. Learn More! Search. Little girl trying to be taller : Stock Photo.
... over-embellished platforms or chunky wedges you won't be perceived as taller but somebody who's desperately trying to be taller instead. Now do the same ...
Psychology professor David T. Lykken, author of Happiness: Its Nature and Nurture, says that "trying to be happier is like trying to be taller." We each have a ...

Alternatives:

striving to increase height
aiming to grow taller
working towards being taller
hoping to become taller
aspiring to greater height

This phrase is correct and can be used when someone is attempting to appear taller through various means.

"trying to be tall"

This phrase is used when someone is making an effort to appear taller, whether through posture, clothing, or other methods. It does not necessarily imply a physical increase in height.

Examples:

She was trying to be tall by standing up straight.
He wore vertical stripes to try to be tall.
The actor used shoe lifts to help in trying to be tall for his role.
Despite his actual height, he always tried to be tall in social situations.
She practiced good posture, trying to be tall and confident.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jan 16, 2013 ... EXO-K's leader Suho taking the mic from Chanyeol & trying to be......tall?? xD. theexotic271094. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 3,385.
Apr 28, 2014 ... Simply being called 'fat' makes young girls more likely to become obese. Trying to be thin is like trying to be tall, say UCLA psychologists.
May 6, 2015 ... The Science Daily Study: “Simply being called 'fat' makes young girls more likely to become obese: Trying to be thin is like trying to be tall”.
May 6, 2015 ... The Science Daily Study: “Simply being called 'fat' makes young girls more likely to become obese: Trying to be thin is like trying to be tall”.

Alternatives:

striving to appear taller
aiming to look tall
working towards a taller appearance
hoping to seem taller
aspiring to a taller stature

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trying to be taller vs trying to be tall