Railing vs Tailing: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Are you confused about which word to use – railing or tailing? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people get confused between the two words, and it’s understandable since they sound similar. However, there is a difference between the two, and in this article, we’ll explore what that difference is.

Which of the two is the proper word? Well, it depends on the context. Railing and tailing are both legitimate words, but they have different meanings.

Railing means to complain or protest loudly and at length, while tailing means to follow or pursue someone or something closely.

Now that we’ve established the difference between the two words let’s dive deeper into each one.

Define Railing

Railing refers to a protective barrier or fence, typically made of metal or wood, which is used to prevent people from falling off an elevated surface, such as a balcony, staircase, or roof. Railings can also be used for decorative purposes, such as in gardens or along walkways. The construction of railings is subject to safety regulations and building codes to ensure that they are sturdy and secure.

Define Tailing

Tailing is a term used in data analysis and refers to the process of examining data to identify patterns or trends. Specifically, tailing involves looking at the end of a data set to see if there are any unusual or significant patterns that emerge. This technique is often used in financial analysis to identify potential market trends or in scientific research to analyze experimental data.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. When it comes to railing and tailing, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two words and how to use them correctly.

How To Use “Railing” In A Sentence

Railing is a noun that refers to a barrier or fence made of rails. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of speaking or protesting loudly and vehemently against something. Here are some examples of how to use the word railing in a sentence:

• The balcony railing was made of wrought iron.
• The protesters were railing against the government’s decision to cut funding for education.
• She was so angry that she started railing at her boss in the middle of the meeting.

As you can see, railing can be used both as a physical object and as a way of expressing strong emotions or opinions.

How To Use “Tailing” In A Sentence

Tailing is a verb that refers to following someone or something closely, often in order to monitor or observe their actions. It can also be used as a noun to describe the act of following someone or something. Here are some examples of how to use the word tailing in a sentence:

• The detective was tailing the suspect in order to gather evidence.
• The paparazzi were tailing the celebrity’s car in order to get a photo.
• He suspected that someone was tailing him, so he took a different route home.

As you can see, tailing is often used in the context of surveillance or monitoring, but it can also be used in a more casual sense to describe simply following someone closely.

More Examples Of Railing & Tailing Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between railing and tailing, it is important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of both words being used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Railing In A Sentence

• The angry customer was railing against the poor service he had received.
• The politician was railing against the corruption in the government.
• The coach was railing at the referee for making a bad call.
• The teacher was railing against the school board’s decision to cut funding for arts programs.
• The environmentalist was railing against the oil company for polluting the ocean.
• The comedian was railing against the absurdity of modern life.
• The journalist was railing against the censorship of the press.
• The activist was railing against the injustice of the prison system.
• The author was railing against the commercialization of literature.
• The musician was railing against the homogenization of popular music.

Examples Of Using Tailing In A Sentence

• The private investigator was tailing the suspect through the city.
• The paparazzi were tailing the celebrity’s car in hopes of getting a photo.
• The spy was tailing the foreign diplomat to gather intelligence.
• The police were tailing the suspected drug dealer to gather evidence.
• The journalist was tailing the politician to get an exclusive interview.
• The birdwatcher was tailing the rare bird through the forest.
• The hunter was tailing the deer through the woods.
• The hiker was tailing the group in front of her on the trail.
• The cyclist was tailing the lead rider in the race.
• The driver was tailing the car in front of him on the highway.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the English language, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when dealing with similar words like railing and tailing. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably:

Using Railing Instead Of Tailing

One common mistake people make is using “railing” instead of “tailing” when referring to following someone or something closely. While “railing” sounds similar to “tailing,” it actually means something entirely different. “Railing” refers to a barrier or fence used for support or protection, while “tailing” means to follow someone or something closely.

Using Tailing Instead Of Railing

On the other hand, some people use “tailing” instead of “railing” when referring to a barrier or fence. This is also incorrect as “tailing” has nothing to do with barriers or fences. It’s important to use the correct term to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Not Understanding The Context

Another mistake people make is not understanding the context in which the words are used. For example, “railing” can also refer to a complaint or criticism, while “tailing” can refer to the end portion of something. It’s important to understand the context in which these words are used to avoid using them incorrectly.

Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Always double-check the definition of the word before using it.
• Pay attention to the context in which the word is used.
• Read and write regularly to improve your vocabulary and understanding of the English language.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between railing and tailing, context is everything. The decision to use one over the other can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific situation, audience, and desired tone.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between railing and tailing might change:

Technical Writing

• In technical writing, railing is often preferred. This is because it conveys a sense of precision and accuracy, which is important when dealing with complex technical concepts.
• For example, a software manual might use railing to describe a specific process or feature, providing step-by-step instructions for the user to follow.

Casual Writing

• On the other hand, tailing is often used in more casual writing contexts. This is because it has a more conversational tone, which can help to engage the reader and make the content more accessible.
• For example, a blog post about a particular topic might use tailing to share personal anecdotes or opinions, creating a more relatable and engaging reading experience.

Academic Writing

• In academic writing, the choice between railing and tailing can depend on the specific discipline and audience.
• For example, in scientific writing, railing might be preferred to convey a sense of objectivity and neutrality, while in humanities writing, tailing might be used to convey a more subjective or interpretive perspective.

Overall, the choice between railing and tailing can have a significant impact on the tone and style of writing. By considering the specific context and audience, writers can make an informed decision about which approach to take.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rules for using railing and tailing are straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain cases, the context of the sentence or the specific meaning of the words being used may require a deviation from the standard usage.

Exceptions For Railing

One exception to using railing occurs when referring to a type of fence or barrier. In this context, railing is the correct term to use, even if the fence is not located on a raised platform. For example:

• The balcony was enclosed by a wooden railing.
• The property was surrounded by a wrought iron railing.

Another exception for railing is when it is used as a verb to mean to scold or criticize severely. In this context, it is not interchangeable with tailing. For example:

• The coach railed at the team for their lack of effort.
• The politician railed against the proposed legislation.

Exceptions For Tailing

One exception to using tailing occurs when referring to the practice of following someone or something closely. In this context, tailing is the correct term to use, even if the object being followed is not a vehicle. For example:

• The private investigator was tailing the suspect on foot.
• The paparazzi were caught tailing the celebrity.

Another exception for tailing is when it is used in the phrase “tail end” to mean the last or final part of something. In this context, it is not interchangeable with railing. For example:

• The tail end of the concert was the most exciting.
• The tail end of the year is always busy at work.

By keeping these exceptions in mind, you can ensure that you are using railing and tailing correctly in all contexts.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the differences between railing and tailing, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

The dog was __________ its tail around the yard.

Answer: Tailing

Exercise 2

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

He was __________ against the railing, watching the sunset.

Answer: Railing

Exercise 3

Complete the sentence with the correct word:

The hiker was __________ down the trail, following the markers.

Answer: Tailing

Exercise 4

Fill in the blank with the appropriate word:

The children were playing on the __________ of the porch.

Answer: Railing

Exercise 5

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

The detective was __________ the suspect, hoping to catch him in the act.

Answer: Tailing

Remember that railing refers to a barrier or fence, while tailing refers to following closely behind someone or something. By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of these two words in your writing and communication.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between railing and tailing, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Railing refers to a type of barrier or fence, while tailing refers to the act of following someone or something closely.

It is important to use language accurately and precisely in order to communicate effectively. By understanding the nuances of words like railing and tailing, we can avoid confusion and ensure that our messages are clear and concise.

Key Takeaways:

• Railing refers to a type of barrier or fence.
• Tailing refers to the act of following someone or something closely.
• These two words should not be used interchangeably.
• Precise language is important for effective communication.

If you are interested in further improving your grammar and language use, consider exploring resources such as style guides, grammar books, and online writing courses. By continuing to learn and refine your language skills, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.