top off vs top up

Both 'top off' and 'top up' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Top off' is commonly used when referring to filling something to its full capacity, especially with liquids like gas in a car. On the other hand, 'top up' is often used when adding a small amount to refill or complete something, like adding credit to a phone or topping up a drink.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 275 views

top off

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to filling something to its full capacity.

The phrase 'top off' is used when you want to fill something to its maximum capacity, such as topping off a gas tank or a drink.

Examples:

I need to top off my gas tank before we leave.
She topped off her coffee with a little more cream.
Let's top off the water in the fish tank.
The mechanic will top off the oil in your car.
Don't forget to top off your glass with more wine.

Show examples from the web [+]

Enjoy these delicious jams on toast, in sandwiches or to top off your favorite ice cream.
I can't think of a better way to top off the best meal of my life.
Add the remainder of the vodka, and top off the jug with busted cranberries until you have a full jug.
Not taking my top off, John-John.
Here, let me get this top off.
Whilst you took your top off.
I'd take my top off if I could, but I'm flat as a board.
But, erm, be good if you could just pop your jeans and top off now.
To top off our visit, we were invited to the farm's wheat harvest festival.
I would have my top off with this playboy.
I can't get this top off.
Irving Klaw Would never let me pose with my top off.
Pinch the top off and squeeze.
I forgot I had the top off.
I think we take that top off.
That reminds me... take your top off.
This one took her top off.
Just take your top off and stand there.
He has gotten my top off before.
And to top off the whole fabulous fiasco...

Alternatives:

fill up
top up
complete
top to the brim
top to the top

top up

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when adding a small amount to refill or complete something.

The phrase 'top up' is used when you want to add a small amount to refill or complete something, such as topping up a phone with credit or topping up a drink with more liquid.

Examples:

I need to top up my phone credit.
Can you top up my drink with some more ice?
She topped up her savings account with some extra money.
Let's top up the bird feeder with more seeds.
Don't forget to top up the water in the dog's bowl.

Show examples from the web [+]

Please top up your credit immediately in order to continue benefiting from the loyalty discount.
Nowaday there are tons of prepaid debit cards that you can top up with different currencies.
It can be used with bypass filters like Calciumreactor, and also to top up evaporated water combined with an aquaniveau and the Kalkwasserreactor.
What is the Mini ATO top up system?
The Board of the EIF has approved on 22 December 2009 to top up this amount with additional EUR 250.000.
I oppose a minimum income because that means public funds to top up a low wage: more for the taxpayer to find in an economic crisis.
The minimum amount of top up is 300 Euros.
Switch this feature on to automatically top up your wallet.
Browse PlayStation Store, top up your wallet and purchase content in seconds using your mobile.
In order to avoid considerable oscillations it's necessary to use an automatic top up system.
Total cost £52.40 Buy a £50 Visitor Oyster card.You may need to top up.
You can top up the overflow reservoir using anti-freeze mixed 50/50 with water if the coolant level is just a bit lower.
You can easily top up your call time by purchasing a card from the mobile phone provider's stores or resellers and kiosks.
You top up the card with credit and use it to travel on any public transport in London.
If you run out of credit, you can top up your card at any station or at thousands of shops throughout London.
You can also use this method to top up another person's Sunrise prepaid calling time credit.
Now we can not wait for a miracle and top up the bet.
Jake says to top up the back tire.
Just top up the tank when you get back.
It allows to extend the top up to cm 320.

Alternatives:

refill
replenish
add more
top off
fill up

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