at the top of the heap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the top of the heap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is in a position of superiority or success compared to others. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally found herself at the top of the heap in her industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But now she is at the top of the heap.

The Guardian

Britain's difficulties are not at the top of the heap.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the top of the heap was the king, who had almost god-like authority.

The Economist

The Netherlands was at the top of the heap, followed by Australia and Sweden.

The New York Times

People dislike those at the top of the heap more when the heap itself is taller.

The New Yorker

Mr. Dias, 52, is at the top of the heap in the shoeshine world.

The New York Times

At the top of the heap sits the poet laureate of England.

The New Yorker

At the top of the heap are 20 by the great surrealist Luis Bunuel.

The Guardian - Film

The Mercedes has both, and for now it is alone at the top of the heap.

The New York Times

But the players at the top of the heap don't often enjoy long careers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Loudly promote the principles and practices that will keep American business and America itself at the top of the heap.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the top of the heap" to vividly describe someone or something that has achieved a position of great success or dominance in their field. For a professional tone in business writing consider alternatives such as "in a dominant position".

Common error

While "at the top of the heap" is widely understood, it can sound informal or colloquial. For formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "at the pinnacle" or "in the leading position" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the top of the heap" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating its superior position or status. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to denote leadership or dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the top of the heap" is a common and generally accepted expression used to describe a position of dominance or superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While it's versatile, remember that it may be too informal for strict academic or highly professional settings where alternatives like "at the pinnacle" or "in the leading position" might be more appropriate. Understanding its nuances allows for effective and context-aware communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the pinnacle

Focuses on the highest point or level achieved, emphasizing accomplishment.

at the summit

Implies reaching the highest point after a climb or journey.

in the leading position

Highlights the act of being ahead of others in a race or competition.

in the forefront

Suggests being at the front of an activity or movement.

in a dominant position

Indicates a position of control or influence over others.

at the head of the pack

Emphasizes being ahead of others in a group or competition.

in the driver's seat

Suggests being in control and making decisions.

in a commanding role

Highlights the authority and influence one possesses.

at the crest of the wave

Indicates being at the peak of popularity or success.

in a superior position

Emphasizes the advantage and elevated status one holds.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the top of the heap" to describe someone or something that is in a position of power, success, or dominance. For example, "After years of hard work, she is now "at the top of the heap" in her industry."

What's a more formal alternative to "at the top of the heap"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "at the pinnacle", "in a dominant position", or "in the leading position".

Is it appropriate to use "at the top of the heap" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "at the top of the heap" might be considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal and precise language like "in a superior position" or "at the summit" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is more suitable: "at the top of the heap" or "at the top of the game"?

Both phrases suggest being successful, but "at the top of the heap" generally refers to overall success and dominance, while "at the top of the game" implies excelling in a specific field or activity. Therefore, it is best to choose depending on the context.