on top of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on top of' is correct and can be used in written English.
'On top of' can be used to mean in addition to, or on the surface of. Example: I had to clean the kitchen, on top of doing all my other chores.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lay another one on top of this.

WikiHow

On top of shoes.

The New York Times

"I'm on top of him.

The New Yorker

He's on top of everything".

The New York Times - Sports

So mimicry piles on top of masquerade.

Independent

On top of this, late returns increased.

The Economist

I'm on top of the world.

Independent

Serve on top of the pudding.

Independent

Lay on top of the cucumbers.

The New York Times

We were on top of the Hill.

The New York Times

He is on top of his game".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on top of" to mean 'in addition to', ensure the sentence clearly separates the original item from the added item for clarity. For example, "On top of the regular expenses, there were unexpected medical bills."

Common error

Avoid using "on top of" when a more precise preposition like "above", "over", or "besides" would more accurately convey the intended spatial or additive relationship. "Above" is better to indicate physical location, "besides" is more correct for indicating "except for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on top of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a spatial relationship (something is physically above something else) or an additive relationship (something is added to something else). Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

57%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “on top of” is a versatile prepositional phrase with two primary meanings: indicating a physical position and signifying addition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and wiki contexts. While acceptable in most writing styles, it's advisable to choose more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. When referring to physical location use alternatives like “above”, “atop” or “over”. When referring to an additive relationship use “in addition to”. Be mindful of clarity to prevent misunderstanding the implied relationship. By following these tips, you can use “on top of” effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in addition to

Indicates that something is being added or included with something else.

besides

Similar to "in addition to", but can also imply exclusion of other possibilities.

atop

A more formal synonym for "on top of", suggesting a higher physical position.

over and above

Emphasizes that something is beyond what is expected or required.

above

This alternative refers to a spatial relationship, indicating a position higher than something else.

overlying

A more technical or formal way to describe something lying on top of something else.

over

Describes a position directly above or covering something.

covering

Implies that something is spread or placed over something else.

at the summit of

Specifies being at the highest point or peak.

on the surface of

Focuses on the external layer or boundary of an object.

FAQs

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

You can use "on top of" to indicate a physical position, as in "The book is on top of the table", or to mean "in addition to", such as "On top of his regular job, he also tutors students."

What can I say instead of "on top of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "above", "atop", or "in addition to". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to a physical position or adding information.

Is it correct to use "on top of" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but in very formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "furthermore" or "moreover" when you mean "in addition to", or using a more descriptive spatial term if indicating position.

What is the difference between "on top of" and "above"?

"On top of" generally implies direct contact, whereas "above" simply means higher in position but not necessarily touching. For example, "The picture is above the fireplace" suggests it's on the wall, while "The vase is on top of the fireplace" suggests it's resting directly on it.