while on top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on top" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is in a position of advantage or control during a specific time or event. Example: "She managed to secure the deal while on top of her game, impressing everyone with her negotiation skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The costume designers often went in for sprightly effects: Irene Dunne and Katharine Hepburn would be put into pixie hats that clung on the side of the head, dipping over one eye, while on top there were pagodas that shot up six or seven inches to a peak.

The New Yorker

Better to quit while on top, is the new thinking.

The Economist

How did you not notice while on top of me?

The Guardian

How much more fondly would he be remembered if he left while on top?

The New York Times - Sports

Although poor officiating saw Rangers hard done-by, they failed to score while on top and lacked the concentration to see out the half.

Independent

Inside the 20-foot container, tilapia are farmed in tanks specially designed to ensure the fish enough room to grow, while on top, greens are cultivated in vertical columns.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The source and drain are separated by just 150 nanometers, while the gate sits on top.

Science Magazine

There is usually only a single sentinel, but when a predator or an alien babbler is sighted the whole group may perch for a while on the top of the tree.

F1000Research

The bigger challenge is how the family will keep up their hard-won eating and exercise regimens while living on top of one another in an Airstream.

The New York Times - Food

Once in a while, put them on top of a warm surface such as a mini oven, but not for too long or they will burn.

WikiHow

Browsing the Internet while lounging on top of her bed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while on top" to emphasize a specific action or state occurring during a period of success or dominance. For example, "It's best to innovate while on top, before complacency sets in."

Common error

Avoid using "while on top" when simply describing a physical location. It's better suited for scenarios involving advantage or control, not just being physically on something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on top" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or circumstances under which an action occurs. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in describing situations of advantage or control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while on top" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions or states occurring during a period of success or dominance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To use the phrase effectively, remember to emphasize the timing of an action relative to a period of advantage, and avoid using it when simply describing a physical location.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a dominant position

Highlights the aspect of control and power.

in the driver's seat

Indicates being in control and making decisions.

in the lead

Emphasizes being ahead or in a leading position.

in command

Focuses on being in control and having authority.

at the forefront

Highlights being in a leading or prominent position.

at the summit

Focuses on achieving the highest point, similar to being on top.

at the helm

Implies being in charge and guiding something.

at the pinnacle

Stresses reaching the highest level of achievement.

in ascendancy

Focuses on a rising or dominant position.

in the ascendancy

Focuses on a rising or dominant position.

FAQs

How can I use "while on top" in a sentence?

Use "while on top" to describe an action taken or a state experienced during a period of dominance or success. For example: "The company invested heavily in research and development "while on top" of the market."

What are some alternatives to "while on top"?

Alternatives include "in the lead", "in a dominant position", or "at the summit", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "while on top" or "when you're on top"?

"While on top" is more commonly used to describe a continuous action or state, whereas "when you're on top" suggests a more specific point in time or hypothetical scenario.

What does it mean to "quit while you're on top"?

To "quit "while you're on top"" means to retire or leave a position at the peak of your success to avoid potential decline or failure.