on the top vs At the top

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

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1803 views

This phrase is correct when referring to something that is physically on the top of something else.

"on the top"

Use 'on the top' when describing the physical location of something that is positioned at the highest point of another object.

Examples:

The cat is on the top of the tree.
The book is on the top shelf.
The flag is on the top of the pole.
There is a star on the top of the Christmas tree.
The key is on the top of the table.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm putting this on the top.
These jeans are elastic on the top.
And that would be an f on the top.
You might want to look on the top right-hand corner of the green tent.
And that would be an f on the top.
So, each one of these on the top here, and...
There's a statue of Napoleon on the top.
The white chocolate mousse on the top is an experiment, - so I can't vouch for its consistency.
I like it when it's been sitting around for a while, and it gets that skin on the top.
And I've knitted a little pattern on the top here, but if you don't like it I can change it.
It's on a tower on the top, tony.
You used to drop the H-bomb, people would look up, put your resume on the top.
Like he wasn't sitting on the top step listening to every word.
So then, I jumped on the top like that, with my team, and it works.
On the list of people that know about this pregnancy, I'm thinking Rachel's not really on the top.
You see the timeline on the top.
That looks like a little house with a roof on the top.
We should focus on the top and back portions of the skull.
Glasses go on the top row.
Please don't spill coffee on the top secret file.

Alternatives:

at the top
on top of

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

"At the top"

Use 'at the top' when referring to a specific location or position at the highest point of something, such as a list, ranking, or hierarchy.

Examples:

She is at the top of her class.
The restaurant is at the top of the hill.
The painting is at the top of the stairs.
The CEO is at the top of the company.
The song is at the top of the charts.

Show examples from the web [+]

At the top stood the statue of king Prusias on horseback.
At the top you have Artognou.
At the top click on 'Advanced'.
At the top, you'll notice a section of source code.
At the top, come in a little more gradually.
At the top, give me a little break.
At the top, the picture of a star denotes international solidarity and progress.
At the top, there is a TV antenna.
At the top, there'll be safety in numbers.
At the top we could see was the vast land for miles.
At the top left, the menu button displays actions you can take in this application.
At the top left, the menu button shows available commands.
At the top right corner, you will see the main hangar.
At the top is an archway guarded by a lone sentry.
At the top it said something like 'Noon at Tiffany's,' so it was during her lunch hour.
At the top is the Eternal Father.
At the top, Lucille considers jumping, but something prevents her.
At the top right, a shorter stroke, slightly curving in the opposite direction.
At the top, the Virgin and Child piercing the serpent symbolise redemption.
At the top was a ribbon, now missing, with the inscription "MEDICEA SIDERA" [Medici stars].

Alternatives:

on the top
at the highest point
at the summit
at the peak
at the pinnacle

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on the top vs At the top

"on the top"

"At the top"

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