top up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where you are adding more to something, such as a balance or a drink. Example: "I need to top up my phone credit before making any calls."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

(Top up as necessary).

Independent

Fig. 1 Top (up) and side (down) views of kaolinite.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Step 2. Top up with "champagne".

Vice

Top up with additional juice.

WikiHow

Top up with more vinegar.

WikiHow

Top up as the growing season progresses.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The top up-regulated gene was cadherin-11 (CDH11).

Cell Communication and Signaling

The short answer is top-up fees.

Independent

What are top-up fees?

The Guardian

Consider NHS top-up fees.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is called "state pension top-up".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top up" in the context of mobile phone credit or similar services, be clear about the specific amount being added. For example, "I need to top up my phone by $20".

Common error

Avoid using "top up" when a more specific verb is appropriate. For instance, use "refill" for drinks, or "recharge" for batteries, instead of generically saying "top up".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "top up" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It indicates the action of adding to something to increase its level or amount. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "top up" is followed by a noun or pronoun representing what is being increased.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

35%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "top up" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe the act of replenishing or increasing something. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is frequently used in how-to guides (Wiki), news articles, and even scientific contexts. The phrase is versatile and can refer to physical quantities like drinks, financial values like phone credit, or even abstract additions. While generally neutral in tone, careful attention to the context is important to avoid misapplication; consider more specific verbs like "refill" or "recharge" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fill up

Similar to "top up" but emphasizes reaching full capacity.

refill

Specifically refers to filling something again.

add to

A simple and direct way of saying to increase something.

replenish

Focuses on restoring something to a full or abundant state.

recharge

Often used for restoring power or energy.

add more

A general term for increasing the quantity of something.

increase

Implies a general rise in amount or level.

boost

Suggests enhancing or strengthening something.

supplement

Indicates adding something extra to complete or enhance.

augment

A more formal term for increasing or enlarging something.

FAQs

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

You can use "top up" to mean to refill something, like "I need to "top up" my gas tank" or to add to a balance, such as "I'm going to "top up" my phone credit".

What is the difference between "top up" and "refill"?

"Top up" generally means to add a small amount to something that is already partially full, while "refill" implies filling something completely. You might "top up" your coffee if it's half empty, but you'd refill it if it's completely empty.

What can I say instead of "top up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "replenish", "refill", "recharge", or "supplement".

Is it correct to say "top up" my account?

Yes, it is correct. "Top up" is commonly used to describe adding funds to an account, especially for prepaid services like mobile phones or online wallets. It's a standard and widely understood phrase.