atop every building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "atop every building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located on the top of every building, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The city skyline was adorned with solar panels atop every building, showcasing the commitment to renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Game of Pigeon Atop a building across the street, a pigeonkeeper pays the Baroness no mind.

The New York Times

Workers restored a sculpture atop the building in 1980.

The New York Times

A man smokes atop a building in Beijing.

Stanford University

The sign sits  atop the building where, until recently, Rurik Jutting was just another monied trader.

Independent

It was atop the building's parking garage, with no neighbors beneath.

The New York Times

The first ball was dropped from a structure atop the building.

The New York Times

Atop the building's cornice, Broadbelt placed a great eagle, wings outstretched, perched on a globe.

The New York Times

The sign sits atop a building on a 19-acre former PepsiCo bottling site.

The New York Times

The wind-induced pressure on the building surface atop the building was investigated to evaluate the characteristic of the measured local wind pressure.

Engineering Structures

On my own, I observed events along the L.A. River and atop a building in the Arts District.

The New Yorker

Before the show, people gathered outside the arena as lasers of blue light shot out from atop the building.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "atop every building", consider the context and whether a more common phrase like "on top of every building" would be more appropriate for clarity. While "atop" adds a touch of formality, it's not always the best choice for casual writing.

Common error

Avoid using "atop" excessively in casual writing or conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound stilted or pretentious if used too frequently. Consider alternatives like "on top of" or "above" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "atop every building" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying a location. It describes something that is situated on the highest point of each building in a group.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "atop every building" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a location on the top of multiple buildings. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that it is a very rare expression. More common alternatives, such as "on top of every building", might be preferred for clarity and naturalness, especially in informal contexts. Due to its rarity, there is no definitive usage pattern but the common source are News & Media, Encyclopedia and Academic contexts. Expert ratings reflect its correctness, but suggest considering context for stylistic choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on top of each building

Replaces "atop" with the more common preposition "on top of" and "every" with "each", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

on the roof of every building

Specifies "roof" as the location, adding clarity but also increasing the length of the phrase.

above each building

Replaces "atop" with "above", making the phrase more general regarding the vertical positioning.

crowning each building

Uses a more figurative verb, "crowning", to suggest something decorative or significant on top of the buildings.

at the summit of every building

Uses the more formal term "summit" instead of "top", increasing the level of formality.

perched on each building

Implies a delicate or precarious positioning on the top of the buildings.

overlooking from each building

Shifts the focus to the view from the top of the buildings rather than the object on top, changing the meaning somewhat.

surmounting each building

Employs a more literary verb, "surmounting", suggesting something rising above the buildings.

adorning the top of each building

Focuses on the decorative aspect of the objects on top of the buildings, adding a sense of embellishment.

elevated above each building

Highlights the height and prominence of whatever is located on top of the buildings.

FAQs

How can I use "atop every building" in a sentence?

You can use "atop every building" to describe something that is located on the highest point of multiple buildings. For example, "Solar panels were installed atop every building to promote renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "atop every building"?

Some alternatives to "atop every building" include "on top of each building", "above each building", or "on the roof of every building".

Is "atop every building" formal or informal?

"Atop every building" is slightly more formal due to the use of "atop". In many cases, the phrase "on top of every building" might be more appropriate for general usage.

What does "atop" mean in the phrase "atop every building"?

In the phrase "atop every building", "atop" is a preposition that means "on top of". It suggests a high or elevated position.