on top of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on top of things" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to be in control or organized and aware of all the tasks or responsibilities at hand. Example: Despite having a busy schedule, Sarah always manages to stay on top of things at work by prioritizing her tasks and staying organized.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As one character says: "It's not like they're exactly on top of things.

The Guardian - Books

"Mentally, they were on top of things.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was well on top of things.

The Guardian - Business

She's incredibly intelligent and on top of things".

The New York Times

"Frankly, we're on top of things," Mr. Ferjani said.

The New York Times

Stay on top of things and get involved.

Yale University

"I like to be on top of things," he explained.

The New Yorker

Stay on top of things and you'll be just fine.

Stanford University

"Everybody needs to be more on top of things".

The New York Times

Frankly, I wanted to stay on top of things".

The New York Times

Mr. Bush hardly seemed on top of things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on top of things" to convey a sense of competence and preparedness, especially in professional or academic contexts. For example: "To succeed in this course, you need to stay "on top of things" and complete all assignments on time."

Common error

Avoid using "on top of things" to describe physical positions or hierarchical superiority. The phrase primarily refers to being organized and in control of tasks or information, not literally being above something or someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on top of things" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as an adjective phrase to describe a state of being organized, informed, and in control. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on top of things" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe a state of being organized, informed, and in control. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While suitable for both professional and informal settings, it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding literal interpretations. Remember to use it to convey competence and preparedness, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in control

Focuses on the aspect of having control over a situation or task.

well-organized

Emphasizes the structured and methodical approach to managing responsibilities.

up-to-date

Highlights being informed and current with the latest information.

well-prepared

Stresses the readiness and anticipation for upcoming events or tasks.

on the ball

An informal idiom indicating alertness and competence.

abreast of things

Suggests staying informed and aware of developments.

in command

Focuses on having authority and control over a situation.

knowledgeable

Highlights possessing the necessary information and understanding.

proficient

Emphasizes skill and competence in handling tasks.

competent

Indicates having the necessary ability and qualifications.

FAQs

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

You can use "on top of things" to describe someone who is organized and in control of their tasks. For example, "She manages multiple projects and still stays "on top of things".

What's a formal alternative to "on top of things"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "well-organized", "proficient", or "competent" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "on top of things"?

Being "on top of things" means that you are organized, aware of what needs to be done, and in control of your responsibilities. It implies preparedness and competence.

Is "on top of the things" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "on top of things", without the article "the". The phrase is an idiomatic expression, and using "the" changes its meaning and grammatical correctness.