in the top

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the top" is correct and can be used in written English.
In this phrase, "in the top" means at the highest position or level. For example, you could say "He is one of the top candidates for the job, in the top of the list."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the top hat".

The New Yorker

He's in the top 10.

The New York Times

None have ranked in the top 50.

The New York Times

Both were then in the top flight.

Independent

They're certainly in the top five.

The New Yorker

All are ranked in the top 50.

The New York Times - Sports

Bethesda is in the top 1%.

The Economist

"He's in the top five jihadists.

The New York Times

Are you in the top 10?

The New York Times

It's not in the top 20".

The New York Times - Health

None is in the top 50.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the top" to describe rankings or positions, ensure the context is clear. For example, specify "in the top 10%" or "in the top three positions" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in the top" without specifying the relevant group or category. Saying something is "in the top" is meaningless without context. Be explicit about what constitutes the whole (e.g. "in the top 5% of universities").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the top" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high ranking or position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the top" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a high ranking, position, or location. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. It is most commonly found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" sources. While "in the top" is generally neutral in register, specifying the scope or group is vital for clarity. Alternative phrases like ""at the summit"" or ""among the best"" can be used to add nuance or formality. Remember, providing context is key to avoiding ambiguity and ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on top

A more concise and direct alternative, but with a slightly less formal tone.

at the summit

Replaces 'top' with 'summit', emphasizing the highest point or rank.

at the pinnacle

Substitutes 'top' with 'pinnacle', highlighting the peak of achievement or position.

among the best

Shifts from a spatial metaphor to a comparative description of excellence.

in first place

Specifically indicates the highest ranking in a competition or list.

in the lead

Focuses on being ahead or in first place, implying a competitive context.

among the elite

Highlights belonging to a select group of highly skilled or successful individuals.

at the forefront

Emphasizes being in a leading position, especially in terms of innovation or progress.

in the upper echelon

Replaces 'top' with 'upper echelon' referring to the highest level of a hierarchy.

at the head

Implies leadership or being in charge.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the top" to indicate a high rank or position, for instance, "She is "in the top 10" of her class" or "This product is "in the top five" bestsellers".

What are some alternatives to saying "in the top"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at the summit", "among the best", or "in the lead".

Is it better to say "in the top" or "on top"?

Both "in the top" and "on top" are correct, but "in the top" is often used to refer to rankings or positions within a group, while "on top" can also mean being in control or succeeding.

What does "in the top percentile" mean?

Saying something is "in the top percentile" means it belongs to the highest percentage of a given group, such as "in the top 1%" or "in the top 5%", indicating superior performance or status.