on the top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the top" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the physical location of something or to mean something is the most important or highest in rank or status. Example: "The teacher placed the homework assignment on the top of the desk so everyone could see it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Click on the top one).

The New York Times

Now I'm on the top.

The New Yorker

I've been on the top.

The New York Times - Sports

"Put it on the top," Jones joked.

The New York Times - Travel

On the top now, with fifties".

The New Yorker

The entry is on the top floor.

The New York Times

"On the top of his left foot.

The New Yorker

The problem was on the top line.

Forbes

Luisa Kroll reports on the top ten.

Forbes

Try on the top.

WikiHow

Focus on the top.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical location, use "on the top" to clearly indicate the uppermost surface or position of an object. For example: "Place the book on the top shelf."

Common error

Avoid using "on top" when you mean "at the top" in contexts implying achievement or rank. "On top" often refers to a physical position, while "at the top" refers to a figurative position of success or leadership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the top" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It specifies the location of something relative to another object, indicating that it is situated on the highest or uppermost surface. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase provides spatial context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the top" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the uppermost position or surface of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, though primarily used to convey physical placement, and its register is generally neutral. For alternatives, consider "atop", "at the summit", or "at the peak" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to distinguish between "on the top" (physical location) and "at the top" (achievement). The phrase's prevalence in resources like WikiHow and The New York Times underscores its common usage across a broad spectrum of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atop

A shorter, more concise way of saying "on the top of".

at the summit

Refers specifically to the highest point, often of a mountain or similar elevation.

at the peak

Highlights the highest point or level of achievement or intensity.

at the crest

Suggests reaching the highest point of a wave, hill, or other curved form.

at the high point

Emphasizes the maximum or most significant moment or location.

at the apex

Indicates the highest point or vertex, often used in a more technical or abstract context.

at the uppermost part

A more descriptive way of specifying the highest part.

at the head

Refers to the leading position or the uppermost part.

on the surface

Indicates the uppermost layer or area of something.

in the lead

Highlights being in the foremost position, especially in a competition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "on the top" is used to indicate the uppermost surface or location of something. For example: "The keys are on the top shelf", or "The berries were sprinkled on the top of the cake".

What's the difference between "on the top" and "at the top"?

"On the top" usually refers to a physical position, while "at the top" often implies a position of achievement or leadership. You might say, "The vase is on the top of the cabinet", but "She is at the top of her class".

Which is correct, "on the top" or "atop"?

Both "on the top" and "atop" can be used to indicate something is positioned on the highest part of something else. "Atop" is a more concise and slightly more formal alternative.

Are there other ways to express "on the top"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "at the summit", "at the peak", or "at the crest" to indicate the highest point. Also consider "on the surface" if referring to the uppermost layer.