at its top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its top" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to anything that has a top, for example a mountain, a tree, or a building. For example: "We could see the city skyline at its top from the highest peak of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Once the stack is built, it will be attached at its top to a crownlike jig.

The New Yorker

Right now Russia is pumping oil at its top capacity.

The New York Times

In recent months, Universal has made a number of shifts at its top executive level.

The New York Times

THESE days Silicon Alley has a Silicon Skyscraper at its top end.

The Economist

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr planned to meet at its top in "An Affair to Remember".

The New York Times

In 1857 Mitchell fell to his death on the mountain and was buried at its top.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"'Prom Queen,' at its top, was doing 300,000 views per episode," Mr. Herskovitz said.

The New York Times

He made a single door, and a single window with a shutter hinged at its top.

The New York Times - Books

No organization can survive for long if we keep striking at its top ranks.

The New York Times

One building on Canal Street has at its top "Clark 1894 Building".

The New York Times

Inclement weather can put wind in the sails and propel the boat at its top speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or hierarchical structures, use "at its top" to clearly indicate the uppermost part or highest level.

Common error

Avoid using "at its top" when a more specific term like "summit" or "apex" would provide greater precision and clarity, especially in formal writing or technical descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its top" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It specifies the location or position of something in relation to the highest part of a particular object or structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its top" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the uppermost part or highest level of something. As Ludwig AI validates, its correctness and usability are well-established. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While generally interchangeable with alternatives like "at its highest point" or "at its apex", choosing the most precise term enhances clarity. The phrase appears most frequently in news and scientific sources, indicating broad applicability. Using "at its top" effectively involves considering the specific context and ensuring that it clearly conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its highest point

Replaces 'top' with 'highest point', offering a more descriptive and literal alternative.

at its apex

Substitutes 'top' with 'apex', indicating the highest or culminating point.

at the summit of it

Replaces 'top' with 'summit', emphasizing the highest point, often in a metaphorical sense.

at the crest of it

Uses 'crest' instead of 'top', suggesting a peak or high point, particularly in a wave-like or ridge-like structure.

at its peak level

Specifies 'peak level' to emphasize a maximum point in terms of quantity or intensity.

at the uppermost part of it

Provides a more formal and descriptive alternative to 'at its top'.

at the upper extreme of it

Emphasizes the upper limit or boundary, using 'extreme' for a stronger sense of height.

at its most elevated position

Replaces 'top' with 'most elevated position', emphasizing height and status.

at the head of it

Uses 'head' instead of 'top', suggesting the leading or foremost position.

on its highest tier

Implies a structure with levels, using 'tier' to specify the uppermost one.

FAQs

How can I use "at its top" in a sentence?

You can use "at its top" to describe the uppermost part of something, such as "The flag was waving "at its top"." or "The building has a restaurant "at its top"."

What are some alternatives to "at its top"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at its highest point", "at its apex", or "at the summit of it".

Is it correct to say "on its top" instead of "at its top"?

While "on its top" might be understood, ""at its top"" is generally the more idiomatic and grammatically preferred choice in most contexts.

When should I use a more specific term instead of "at its top"?

In technical or formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "at its zenith" when discussing achievements or performance peaks, or "at its highest point" for geographical locations.