top person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the highest-ranking individual in a particular context, such as a company or organization. Example: "In our department, the top person is responsible for making all major decisions and overseeing the team's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"In government, when the top person leaves, all the senior administration gets booted out as well.

The New York Times

I don't think people who take Adderall are aiming to be the top person in the class.

The New Yorker

"The top person is never simply the most talented, or the smartest, or the best-looking," she tells him.

The New York Times - Books

"And we learned that in Japan you're supposed to introduce yourself to the top person first and then move down the line".

The New York Times

Right now, however, many of the departments and agencies who must lead the charge of government activism have only their top person in place.

Independent

"There are always so many people who want to speak to the top person, and everyone feels their need is urgent," Mrs. Masterson said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

There is something really appealing about that kind of funny, horrible, CRUELLA DE VIL sort of over-the-top person".

The New York Times

I'm definitely a glass-half-full person, preferably a glass-full-to-the-top person, ideally a glass-regularly-topped-up-by-a-fine-denier-waitress person.

The New Yorker

"I said 'Let's start at the top, one person at a time,' " he said.

The New York Times

"Everyone I know who's a top flight person" is looking around, said one.

Science Magazine

In 2016, Nigeria's top Google person search was for Donald Trump.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top person", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the individual's role and responsibilities. For example, in a corporate setting, "CEO" or "managing director" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "top person" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "chief executive officer", "principal investigator", or "lead researcher" to convey a sense of professionalism and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying an individual who holds the highest position or authority within a given context. Ludwig shows that it commonly references leadership roles in various organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "top person" is a common and generally acceptable way to refer to the individual in a position of highest authority. As Ludwig's AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context and choose more specific titles when appropriate for formal communications. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, but it is also present in business and scientific publications. For alternatives, consider options such as "leading figure" or "person in charge" to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person in charge

A general term for someone responsible for overseeing a task or organization.

highest authority

Highlights the individual's power and decision-making capacity.

leading figure

Emphasizes influence and prominence, suggesting someone who guides or directs others.

superior

Highlights the hierarchical relationship, referring to someone of higher rank.

chief executive

Specifically refers to the highest-ranking executive in an organization.

key player

Focuses on the importance of the person's role in a particular context.

principal

Refers to the main or most important person.

commander

Implies authority and control, typically in a military or structured environment.

head honcho

A more informal term for the person in charge.

top dog

An informal and somewhat competitive term for the person in charge.

FAQs

What does "top person" mean?

The phrase "top person" refers to the individual holding the highest position of authority or responsibility within an organization, group, or specific context. It generally denotes the leader or the person in charge.

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

You might say, "The board of directors relies on the "top person" to make critical decisions" or "Leadership starts at the top, and when the "top person" is committed, the response is much more effective."

What are some alternatives to "top person"?

Depending on the situation, you could use "leader", "chief", "head", "director", "manager", "supervisor", "executive", or "commander".

Is "top person" formal or informal?

The term "top person" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While understandable in most contexts, more formal titles like "chief executive officer" or "principal investigator" might be preferred in professional or academic settings.