Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[dido4]

Dora is not taller than Billy.

Dora is less tall than Billy.

Q: Do they have the same meaning?

Thank you

[CP]

No, they don't mean the same thing.

Dora is not taller than Billy means that she is either shorter than or the same height as Billy, but not taller.

Dora is less tall than Billy means that she is shorter than Billy, not the same height and certainly not taller.

Usually you wouldn't say "less tall than Billy," but "shorter than Billy."
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