top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it to refer to the highest point, the best quality, or the leading position in a ranking or category. Example: "She is at the top of her class, consistently achieving the highest grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The third group had the condoms, the advice and the counselling, but the gel was a placebo, containing no active ingredient.In this section Davy Jones's lock-up Girls on top Dashed hopes An early Christmas present?

The Economist

As for the rest of the papers, here's the PoliticsHome list of top 10 must-reads, here's the ConservativeHome round-up of the politics stories in today's papers and here's the New Statesman's list of top 10 comment articles.

The Guardian

Gray was chased and subjected to an arrest declared unlawful by the city's top prosecutor.

The Guardian

I believe that many women do not get to the top because they are far too nice.

The Guardian

You can't say that about some of the grey men at the top of British business today.

The Guardian

Other top executives at Network Rail are entitled to annual performance-related bonuses of up to 20% of salaries.

The Guardian

Join the Guardian Public Leaders Network free to receive regular emails on the issues at the top of the professional agenda.

The Guardian

It is the intellectual justification for why such a high premium is placed on degrees from first-tier business schools, and why the compensation packages for top executives have become so lavish.

The Economist

This book has been my chance to find out what makes other top people in sport, business and politics as successful as me.

The Guardian - Books

I have been involved in a few political crises in my time and have always come out on top by bullying people, shouting a lot and being entirely economical with the truth.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What must have really stung was that the top-placed European whisky was the Chapter 14 Not Peated, which is from England! You'd be a brave man to order that at the Highlander.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "top"; it can refer to a physical position, a level of achievement, or a part of clothing. The surrounding words should provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "top" always refers to physical height. It also denotes superior status or quality. Ensure the intended meaning is clear to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

"Top" serves as a versatile term, functioning as a noun referring to the highest part or component, a verb indicating surpassing or covering, and an adjective denoting the best quality or rank. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is quite varied depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "top" is a highly versatile term with a broad range of applications, from describing physical positions and garments to indicating superior performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage largely depends on the context. The frequency of "top" in News & Media and Sport contexts underscores its common use in reporting and commentary. To ensure clarity, be mindful of the intended meaning, as "top" can refer to physical height, superior status, or an item of clothing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and accurately use "top" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summit

Refers to the highest point or peak, similar to "top" when indicating the uppermost part.

peak

Denotes the highest level or point, much like "top" in describing an achievement or position.

cover

Indicates the act of placing something over or on "top" of something else.

lid

A removable "top" for a container.

excel

Means to surpass or be superior, akin to reaching the "top" in performance.

surpass

Implies going beyond or exceeding, much like being at the "top" of a field.

best

Signifies the highest quality or standard, similar to being at the "top" in terms of quality.

lead

Indicates being in the foremost position, similar to being at the "top" in a ranking.

crown

To put something on the "top" or head or figurative way

crest

The highest point of a wave or similar ridge, analogous to the "top" of a physical structure.

FAQs

How can I use "top" in a sentence?

You can use "top" to refer to the highest point of something, as in "The flag was at the top of the pole". It can also mean the best, as in "She's a top student". Additionally, it can refer to a garment, as in "I need a new top to match my jeans".

What can I say instead of "top"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "summit", "peak", "cover" or "lid". If you're referring to quality, try "best" or "highest-quality".

Is it correct to say "top of the pops"?

Yes, "top of the pops" is a common idiom, particularly in British English, referring to the most popular music or entertainment. It originates from a long-running BBC television show of the same name.

What's the difference between "top" and "summit"?

"Top" is a general term for the highest point or part of something. "Summit" usually refers to the highest point of a mountain or a meeting between leaders. While sometimes interchangeable, "summit" often implies a more significant or formal high point than "top".