"at the top of" vs "on the top of"

Question

"at the top of" vs "on the top of"

Both 'on the top of' and 'at the top of' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'On the top of' is used when something is physically on the surface of something else, while 'at the top of' is used to indicate a location or position at the highest point of something.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use 'at the top of' when describing a specific location or position at the highest point of something, such as 'She is sitting at the top of the stairs.'

Examples:

The flag is at the top of the pole.
The restaurant is at the top of the hill.
The castle is at the top of the mountain.
The hotel room is at the top of the building.
The painting is at the top of the staircase.

Alternatives:

at the summit of
at the peak of
at the highest point of
at the uppermost part of
at the pinnacle of

Use 'on the top of' when describing something that is physically located on the surface of something else, such as 'The cup is on the top of the table.'

Examples:

The cat is on the top of the roof.
There is a book on the top of the shelf.
The keys are on the top of the dresser.
The painting is on the top of the wall.
The hat is on the top of the coat rack.

Alternatives:

on top of

Answer 1

at the top of

This phrase is correct and commonly used when indicating a location or position at the highest point of something.

Answer 2

on the top of

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something physically on the surface of something else.

"at the top of" vs "on the top of"

at the top of

on the top of

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