on top of everything else

USAGE SUMMARY

"on top of everything else" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to illustrate that something has been added to a list of already existing issues or problems. For example, "I was already busy with my job and family responsibilities, but on top of everything else, I had to complete this project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We'll have one less major firm, and that is an additional concern on top of everything else".

The New York Times

On top of everything else, not that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's the weather on top of everything else.

The New Yorker

But on top of everything else it's obviously hilarious.

The Guardian - Music

Fold over and lay on top of everything else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Oh, and feral cats: on top of everything else, Elyria has 14,000 feral cats.

The New York Times

On top of everything else, foreign demand for Chinese exports has slowed.

The New York Times

So on top of everything else, I just lost $200 worth of product.

The New York Times

"HD has been the dollop of frosting on top of everything else," Mr. Ebersol said.

The New York Times

On top of everything else, a regulator has to be firm and effective to gain credibility.

The Economist

Your mother, she said, had a stroke during the night, on top of everything else.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on top of everything else" to clearly signal an additional, often burdensome, element in a situation. Ensure that the context already establishes existing challenges or issues for the phrase to make sense.

Common error

Avoid using "on top of everything else" at the beginning of a description or situation. The phrase relies on the understanding that there are already existing issues. Without that context, it becomes confusing or nonsensical to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on top of everything else" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in a sentence by adding an additional circumstance or consequence. Ludwig's examples show it frequently introduces an extra layer of difficulty or complication to an existing situation, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on top of everything else" is a common adverbial phrase used to introduce an additional, often negative, element to an already challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it frequently appears in News & Media contexts, emphasizing the cumulative nature of problems. When writing, be sure to establish prior context before using the phrase, and consider more formal alternatives like "furthermore" or "moreover" in academic or professional settings. Avoid overusing this phrase for more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in addition to everything else

This alternative emphasizes the additive nature of the problem or consideration.

besides everything else

Similar to "in addition to", this phrase highlights that something is being added to an existing list.

on top of all that

This phrase shortens the original while maintaining a similar meaning.

as if that weren't enough

This phrase implies a sense of exasperation or disbelief at the accumulation of problems.

to make matters worse

This alternative emphasizes the negative impact of the additional element.

over and above everything else

This version stresses the excessiveness of the extra burden.

what's more

This phrase presents an additional point that enhances the previous statement.

moreover

A more formal synonym indicating an addition to what has already been stated.

furthermore

Another formal synonym, similar to 'moreover', used to introduce an additional point.

as an added bonus

Used ironically when the 'bonus' is actually a negative addition.

FAQs

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

Use "on top of everything else" to introduce an additional problem or complication to an existing situation. For example, "The project was already behind schedule, and "on top of everything else", the lead developer quit."

What phrases are similar to "on top of everything else"?

Alternatives include "in addition to everything else", "besides everything else", or "to make matters worse". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on top of everything else" in formal writing?

While "on top of everything else" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "furthermore" or "moreover" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts depending on your writing style.

What does "on top of everything else" imply?

The phrase "on top of everything else" implies that a situation is already challenging, and an additional factor is making it even more difficult or complicated. It often conveys a sense of frustration or added burden.