to be top of the class vs to be the top of the class

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'To be top of the class' is a common expression used to indicate being the best student in a class. 'To be the top of the class' is also correct but less commonly used, and it emphasizes the specific position at the very top of the class.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 1424 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate being the best student in a class.

"to be top of the class"

This phrase is used to describe a student who performs the best among all the students in a class.

Examples:

She studied hard to be top of the class.
He always strives to be top of the class in every subject.
Being top of the class requires dedication and hard work.

Show examples from the web [+]

Those who consider themselves to be at the top of the class structure are significantly more globally minded than those who consider themselves to be from the lower classes.
Lieutenant was the first Vulcan to be graduated - at the top of her class at the academy.
I personally encountered this phenomenon: Despite plenty of objective evidence to the contrary, including grades, time spent on assignments, and high placement in a programming contest, I still didn't consider myself to be at the top of my class in college.
If they did, Roger would be top of the class.
They can't all be top of class.
You won't be top of the class if you don't get enough sleep.
Nao was top of the class.
And... top of the class as well.
You were top of the class at school.
4.0 G.P.A., top of the class.
I'm top of the class in French and Art.
But Yujin was always top of the class.
She's top of the class, counting backwards.
I heard she was top of the class.
You'll go top of the class with Clive.
My daughter's a senior - top of the class.
I heard she was top of the class.
Mr Maystadt, you have often been top of the class; we ask you to ensure that the EIB really is top of the class at global level.
But you made a mistake, that seat is for the top of the class.
Bravo, little Gavroche You're the top of the class

Alternatives:

to be the best in the class
to be at the top of the class
to be the number one in the class
to be the top student in the class
to be the highest achiever in the class

This phrase is correct but less commonly used. It emphasizes the specific position at the very top of the class.

"to be the top of the class"

This phrase can be used to highlight being the student with the highest rank or achievement in a class.

Examples:

She worked hard to be the top of the class.
He is proud to be the top of the class in mathematics.
Being the top of the class requires consistent effort and determination.

Show examples from the web [+]

You used to be the top of the class!
Those who consider themselves to be at the top of the class structure are significantly more globally minded than those who consider themselves to be from the lower classes.
We used to be the top in our class at P.T.
But you made a mistake, that seat is for the top of the class.
Bravo, little Gavroche You're the top of the class
I guess they start at the top of the class and work their way down.
I'm also the top of the class.
Daniel tells me you're at the top of the class.
Anyway, my friend ben will propel our group To the top of the class.
You finished at the top of your class.
If you ever make the top of the class again,
As far as training for employees is concerned, Belgium is still by no means at the top of the class.
Winning it, t-that means you're at the top of the class,
Nao was top of the class.
And... top of the class as well.
You were top of the class at school.
4.0 G.P.A., top of the class.
I'm top of the class in French and Art.
But Yujin was always top of the class.
She's top of the class, counting backwards.

Alternatives:

to be the best in the class
to be at the top of the class
to be the number one in the class
to be the top student in the class
to be the highest achiever in the class

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to be top of the class vs to be the top of the class