at the top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the top" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something being "at the highest point", as in "The tree grew high and reached the sun at the top."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He pointed at the top.

The New Yorker

Spain stayed at the top.

The New York Times - Sports

Keith was at the top.

Independent

(They are at the top).

The New York Times

But not at the top.

The New York Times

But progressivity at the top?

The New Yorker

At the top... at the top, yes.

University of California, Berkeley

"Romney was always at the top".

The New York Times

At the top is a roof deck.

The New York Times

The philosophers would live at the top.

The New Yorker

The problem starts at the top.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the top" to clearly indicate the highest position, whether in a hierarchy, a physical space, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "at the top" when a more specific term would be appropriate. For instance, use "at the summit" when referring to a mountain peak, rather than simply saying "at the top".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the top" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate location, rank, or status. It specifies where something is situated in relation to a hierarchy, structure, or physical space. Ludwig shows examples related to both physical positions and figurative achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the top" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that signifies the highest position, whether physical or abstract. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it's widely used in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia, indicating its broad applicability. While "at the top" is often interchangeable with alternatives like "at the summit" or "in the lead", it's crucial to consider the specific context for the most appropriate choice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, solidifying its status as a reliable and useful phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the summit

Refers to the highest point of a mountain or a similar peak.

at the pinnacle

Indicates the highest point of success or achievement.

at the apex

Describes the highest point, often in a figurative sense.

in the lead

Implies being in the foremost position in a competition or ranking.

at the helm

Suggests being in a position of control or leadership.

at the forefront

Indicates being in a leading position or at the cutting edge.

at the zenith

Describes the time at which something is most powerful or successful.

in first place

Specifically denotes achieving the highest rank in a competition.

at the crest

Refers to the peak of a wave or a similar high point.

at the head

Implies being in a leading or dominant position.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the top" to describe a position of leadership, a physical location, or a ranking. For example, "She is "at the top" of her class" or "The restaurant is "at the top" of the building".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at the top"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at the summit", "at the pinnacle", or "in the lead" instead of "at the top".

When is it appropriate to use "at the top" instead of "on top"?

"At the top" is generally used to describe a position in a hierarchy or location, while "on top" often implies being physically above something. For instance, "He's "at the top" of the company", but "The book is "on top" of the table".

Is it correct to say "at top" instead of "at the top"?

While "at top" might be understood in certain contexts, ""at the top"" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing.