topped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topped by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been positioned or arranged in a particular way or order. For example, "The meal was topped by a sweet dessert of strawberry cheesecake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both are topped by anodized aluminum canopies.

The New York Times - Arts

Unruly hair topped by unfeasibly large headphones.

The Guardian

It was topped by Stairway to Heaven.

The Guardian - Music

It had high concrete walls topped by barbed wire.

The New Yorker

Within, columns topped by Corinthian capitals supported the roof.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her emotional collapse is topped by Bobby's moral one.

The New Yorker

The brick window openings are topped by concrete lintels.

The New Yorker

Aptly, it is a wavelike form topped by a circle.

The New York Times

Mr. Miller wore them, topped by his usual fedora.

The New York Times

A promising sentence, duly topped by what followed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their religious hierarchy is topped by a prince.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topped by" to clearly and concisely describe hierarchical or spatial relationships, ensuring the image is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "topped by" when describing abstract or non-physical relationships. For instance, instead of "The presentation was topped by a weak conclusion", consider "The presentation ended with a weak conclusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topped by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a spatial relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something situated at the highest point or surface of something else, providing descriptive detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topped by" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to describe spatial or hierarchical relationships. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide descriptive detail, indicating what is situated at the uppermost point of something else. While generally neutral, its usage can lean towards formal depending on the specific context. When employing "topped by", ensure it accurately portrays a physical or hierarchical relationship, avoiding misuse in abstract contexts. Related phrases like "capped with" or "surmounted by" can offer alternative ways to express similar relationships, enriching your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capped with

Emphasizes covering or sealing something, unlike "topped by" which may not imply full coverage.

exceeded by

Indicates surpassing a limit or expectation, differing from "topped by" which suggests a physical or hierarchical arrangement.

surpassed by

Suggests going beyond in achievement or quality, unlike "topped by" which implies a position or arrangement.

outdone by

Implies doing something better than another, whereas "topped by" indicates a structure or order.

surmounted by

Implies overcoming something to reach the top, whereas "topped by" is neutral about the effort involved.

crowned with

Conveys a sense of completion or adornment, unlike "topped by" which simply indicates placement.

finished with

Focuses on the final element of completion, differing from "topped by" which describes a spatial relationship.

dominated by

Suggests prevalence or control, differing from "topped by" which may not imply influence.

headed by

Refers to leadership or management, diverging from "topped by" which indicates physical or hierarchical position.

concluded with

Highlights the final act or event, contrasting with "topped by" which describes a static arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "topped by" in a sentence?

The phrase "topped by" is used to describe something that is located at the uppermost part of something else. For example, "The building was "topped by" a golden dome".

What are some alternatives to "topped by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "capped with", "crowned with", or "surmounted by".

What is the difference between "topped by" and "followed by"?

"Topped by" suggests a physical or hierarchical arrangement, where one thing is above another. "Followed by", on the other hand, implies a sequence or order in time or presentation.

Is "topped by" formal or informal?

"Topped by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.