tailing
C1-C2 / Low-MidTechnical / Formal
Definition
Meaning
The act or process of following or observing someone closely and persistently.
1. The residue or waste material left after processing ore (mining). 2. The act of secretly monitoring someone's movements. 3. The part of a garment that trails behind (archaic). 4. Following behind in a line or sequence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In mining/engineering contexts, 'tailing' is often pluralized as 'tailings' (uncountable noun). The surveillance sense is often used in police/procedural contexts. Can be confused with 'tailing off' (diminishing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
US usage favors 'tailings' (plural) for mining waste. UK may use 'spoil' or 'slag' as alternatives. Surveillance sense is equally common in both.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts; slightly negative/conspiratorial in surveillance contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in technical/mining industries; general usage rare outside specific domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] is tailing [object][subject] conducted tailing operations on [object]The tailing of [object] proved difficult[subject] placed under tailingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on someone's tail”
- “tail end”
- “turn tail”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In mining/extractive industries: 'Tailings management is crucial for environmental compliance.'
Academic
In geology/engineering papers: 'The geochemical stability of arsenic in gold tailings was studied.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except in crime contexts: 'The detective was tailing the suspect.'
Technical
Police/military: 'Covert tailing operations require extensive planning and resources.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The officers were tailing the vehicle through central London.
- We've been tailing the suspect since he left the hotel.
American English
- The FBI is tailing the subject across state lines.
- Private investigators tail cheating spouses regularly.
adverb
British English
- They drove tailing closely behind the target.
- He walked tailing at a safe distance.
American English
- She followed tailing discreetly through the crowd.
- The agent moved tailing just out of sight.
adjective
British English
- The tailing vehicle maintained a two-car distance.
- Tailing operations require special authorisation.
American English
- The tailing car stayed three blocks back.
- Tailing technology has advanced with GPS systems.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog was tailing its owner everywhere.
- The little duck was tailing behind its mother.
- Police were tailing the suspect's car for hours.
- The mining company must manage its tailings properly.
- Environmental concerns about tailings ponds have increased regulatory scrutiny.
- Successful tailing operations require both skill and patience.
- The covert tailing operation yielded crucial intelligence about the smuggling ring.
- Geotechnical analysis revealed instability in the tailings dam structure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog with its TAIL following behind - TAILing means following persistently.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOLLOWING IS ATTACHING (like a tail attached to an animal)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'хвост' (queue/line) - 'tailing' is active following, not passive waiting.
- Don't translate mining 'tailings' as 'отходы' (general waste) - it's specific processing residue.
- Surveillance 'tailing' ≠ 'преследование' (persecution) - it's observation, not harassment.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tailing' for temporary following (use 'following')
- Confusing 'tailings' (uncountable) with countable 'tails'
- Misspelling as 'taling' or 'tayling'
Practice
Quiz
In mining context, 'tailings' primarily refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No - 'tailing' implies persistent, often covert following with purpose (surveillance/pursuit), while 'following' is more general.
It refers to multiple types/streams of waste material (rock, water, chemicals) - treated as plural/mass noun despite 's' ending.
Rarely - though one might say 'tailing the leader' in racing, 'chasing' or 'following' are more common.
'Tailing' is neutral/professional (police work), while 'stalking' implies malicious/harassing intent and is generally illegal.
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