On the summit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On the summit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the highest point of a mountain or hill, or metaphorically to indicate the peak of an achievement or situation. Example: "After a long and challenging hike, we finally reached the summit and were rewarded with breathtaking views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"On the summit day we had both sides of the story.

BBC

On the summit, they found sparse Anaphalis viscida and Wahlenbergia.

Wikipedia

A replacement structure, the one that stands on the summit today, was built in 1965.

Wikipedia

Derive the probability for one ejected clast to reach a certain area on the summit   4.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

High on the summit,.

The New Yorker

(Evan Osnos has more on the summit).

The New Yorker

An hour or so later, snow fell on the summit.

The New Yorker

While we stood on the summit, the rain intensified.

The New York Times - Travel

The temple of Jupiter Poeninus once stood on the summit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He planted an American flag on the summit.

The New Yorker

A House of Lords briefing paper on the summit (pdf).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "On the summit" when you want to evoke a sense of accomplishment, elevation, or reaching a goal, whether literal (a mountain) or figurative (a career achievement).

Common error

Avoid using "On the summit" in contexts where a simpler term like "at the top" or "at the peak" would suffice, especially in informal writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "On the summit" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to specify a location or state. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it provides context regarding being at the highest point of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "On the summit" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes being at the highest point, whether physically or metaphorically. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for describing location, achievement, or culmination. While it appears in diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, use it to add an evocative sense of accomplishment, but avoid overuse in informal contexts where simpler terms might suffice. Related alternatives include "at the peak" and "at the top", offering nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At the peak

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing solely on the highest point or level.

At the crest

This alternative suggests reaching the highest point of a wave or a gradual increase.

At the apex

This alternative implies reaching the highest point of development or success.

At the top

This alternative is a simpler and more general way of indicating the highest position.

At the zenith

This alternative suggests reaching the highest point or a moment of great power or success.

At the pinnacle

This alternative implies reaching the highest level of achievement or fame.

At the vertex

This alternative is a more formal term for the highest point, often used in mathematical or technical contexts.

On the crest of a wave

This alternative suggests being at the peak of a trend or a moment of great opportunity.

At the high point

This alternative emphasizes the location as the highest point of something.

In a commanding position

This alternative focuses on the strategic advantage of being at the highest point.

FAQs

How can I use "On the summit" in a sentence?

You can use "On the summit" to describe a physical location, such as "We planted the flag on the summit of the mountain", or metaphorically, like "After years of hard work, he was finally on the summit of his career".

What can I say instead of "On the summit"?

You can use alternatives like "at the peak", "at the top", or "at the apex" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "On the summit" rather than "At the top"?

"On the summit" is most appropriate when referring to the highest point of a mountain or a similar geographical feature. While "at the top" is more general and can be used in various contexts, "On the summit" evokes a sense of accomplishment and elevation specific to climbing or achieving a high point.

Is "On the summit" formal or informal?

"On the summit" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans towards a more descriptive and evocative style, suitable for news articles, travel writing, or literary descriptions. Simpler terms like "at the top" might be preferred in very casual conversation.