on the top of vs at 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 • 1582 views

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

"on the top 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 22, 2022 ... The aluminum tip is placed on the top of the Washington Monument. It was the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1884, ...
Mar 9, 2023 ... Lights appear on the top of your HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini, and change colors depending on what you're doing on your HomePod ...
Dec 11, 2019 ... Hard corns usually form on the top of toes – areas where there is bone pressure against the skin. Soft corns: These corns are whitish/gray ...
Dec 31, 2021 ... In some instances, the soft spot on the top of your baby's head may seem to be pulsating. There is no need to worry—this movement is quite ...
Left bumper (2) and right bumper (7): These oblong-shaped controls reside on the top of the controller to the left and right of the USB-C charging ...
... of the big toe; and the navicular (a bone on the top of the midfoot). The most common sites for stress fractures in the foot are the metatarsal bones.
Left bumper (2) and right bumper (7): These oblong-shaped controls reside on the top of the controller to the left and right of the USB port.
What is the "Attachment Sequence Number" on the top of my income tax schedules? Answer; Answer. Page Content. If you are filing a paper income tax return, ...
State-issued enhanced driver's licenses do not have a star on the top of the card. Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses only. These documents will ...
Jun 17, 2021 ... There are not many muscles on the top of the head, but they may play a role in some types of headaches. A tightening of the neck and head ...

Alternatives:

on top of

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

"at the top of"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

The avatars' coordinates are at the top of this hill.
But... right now you're at the top of the list.
Stealing your escort, leaving you stranded at the top of the stairs...
Prince Adonijah is at the top of the hill.
Tony Montana at the top of the stairs with those guns.
Division was at the top of the list for potential threats.
I make my kids wait at the top of the staircase.
I am tattooing you at the top of my no-kiss list.
Your team has been at the top of our prayer list for some time.
Look at the top of my to-do list.
We'll play at the top of the stairs.
A grey Camry is parked at the top of the ramp.
You were at the top of the social hierarchy.
You're at the top of my Schindler's List.
Gabriel's been at the top of the food chain for thousands of years.
You finished at the top of your class.
You keep shouting at the top of your lungs...
There's a pinprick at the top of the paper.
Look at the top of your backswing.
I'm at the top of my game.

Alternatives:

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

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on the top of vs at the top of

"on the top of"

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