top half

USAGE SUMMARY

'top half' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use the phrase as a noun, as an adjective, or as an adverb. For example, you could say, "We finished the race in the top half". You could also say, "We have a top-half finish". Or, you could say, "We finished top-half in the race".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its top half is the neck.

Independent

5. Set top half of steamer aside.

The New York Times - Food

Predictions – We will finish: Top half.

The Guardian - Sport

Tape the top half of the fishbowl closed.

Princeton University

(The academy is housed in the top half).

The New York Times

A shimmery top half turns tribal with lace embroidery.

The New York Times

The top half of each phyllid (leaf) is serrated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The green jacket is the top half of a suit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put on the top half of bread and wrap firmly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The top half of the globe is exposed.

The New York Times - Tech

6 Fold over the top half of the dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top half" in sports contexts, ensure clarity whether you're referring to standings, performance metrics, or the physical field.

Common error

Avoid assuming "top half" always represents exactly 50%. Context matters; it can refer to a relative upper portion rather than a precise mathematical division.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top half" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also function as an adjective or an adverb depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "top half" is a versatile and commonly used expression that refers to the upper portion of something or a higher ranking, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a noun phrase with a neutral register. As evidenced by the variety of examples from Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. It's crucial to be mindful of its proportionality in different scenarios as is it could mean different things depending on the usage. To enhance clarity in writing, consider alternatives such as "upper portion" or "superior section" where precision is paramount. Steer clear of assuming "top half" is always a precise calculation of 50%. Using this guide and the insights from Ludwig, writers can confidently and accurately use the phrase "top half" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upper portion

Replaces 'half' with 'portion', emphasizing a part that is above others but may not be exactly 50%.

superior section

Highlights the aspect of being above or better than other sections.

top segment

Similar to 'portion' but implies a clear division or segmentation.

upper echelon

Indicates a high-ranking or elite group within a hierarchy.

first division

Emphasizes being in the leading or foremost group, often in sports or competitions.

leading segment

Suggests the segment is ahead of others in a sequence or ranking.

prime part

Indicates the most important or best part of something.

highest level

Focuses on the position being at the peak or most elevated point.

elite group

Refers to a select, high-performing assembly of individuals.

front section

Highlights the part that is at the front, implying precedence or visibility.

FAQs

How can I use "top half" in a sentence?

You can use "top half" to refer to the upper portion of an object, like "The "top half" of the building was renovated", or to indicate a high ranking, like "Our team finished in the "top half" of the league".

What does "top half" mean in a sports context?

In sports, "top half" usually refers to the teams or players that rank in the upper portion of a league or competition standings. For example, a team aiming for the "top half" is striving to be among the best performers.

Is it always accurate to assume "top half" means exactly 50%?

While "top half" often implies roughly 50%, it is not always a precise mathematical division. Depending on the context, it could refer to a general upper segment or portion, so be mindful of potential nuances.

What's the difference between ""top half"" and "upper portion"?

"Top half" suggests a division into two parts, whereas "upper portion" simply indicates a part that is higher or above without necessarily implying a specific proportion.