on the top vs in the top

Both "on the top" and "in the top" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "On the top" is used when something is physically located on the highest part of something else, while "in the top" is not a standard phrase and is not commonly used in English.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 4382 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate something is physically located on the highest part of something else.

"on the top"

Use "on the top" when referring to something that is physically located on the highest part of something else, such as "The cat is on the top of the tree."

Examples:

The flag is on the top of the mountain.
The book is on the top shelf.
The key is on the top of the table.
The star is on the top of the Christmas tree.
The painting is on the top floor of the building.

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 not a standard or commonly used phrase in English. It does not convey a clear meaning and is not recommended for use.

"in the top"

Show examples from the web [+]

... $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 THOUSAND. You're in the top 50%. Percentage Ranking. Source: 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data tabulated by Sentier Research.
9. top - covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container); "he removed the top of the carton"; "he couldn't get the top off of the bottle"; "put the cover ...
... around the globe, but it wasn't until the “Occupy” movement that the amount of wealth concentrated in the top 1% of society has received so much attention.
... and living legend, John McGovern was kind enough to speak to us about a range of issues. Here's part III of an exclusive interview with In The Top One.

Alternatives:

on the top
at the top
at the top of

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on the top vs in the top

"on the top"

"in the top"

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