Looking at the COCA I found some confusing examples such as: "on the top of list / at the top of the list". I always thought "on the top of the list" was correct.

So what do you think guys?

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  I just came across the following examples in that...Grammar book:

1 - I live AT the top of the building.

2 - The clown balanced the pineapple ON the top of his head.

My thoughts [ I'm not referring to set phrases like "at the top of his voice" ]:

1 = the top is part of the building 2 = exact spot

Looking at the COCA I found some confusing examples such as: "on the top of list / at the top of the list". I always thought "on the top of the list" was correct.

At the top of the building. Inside. On the top of his head. Outside. "At the top of the list" is correct.

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  I just came across the following examples in that...Grammar book: 1 - I live AT the top of the building. 2 - The clown balanced the pineapple ON the top of his head.

My thoughts [ I'm not referring to set phrases like "at the top of his voice" ]:

1 = the top is part of the building 2 = exact spot

Looking at the COCA I found some confusing examples such as: "on the top of list / at the top of the list". I always thought "on the top of the list" was correct.

♥♦♣♠ NOT A TEACHER ♥♦♣♠ If you said I live on the top of the building, that would simply imply that you lived outside the building, on the roof. :-o

• 4

People who respond to questions like to know if their answer has been of assistance. Unless you tell them, they never know. There is no need to write – if you just click on the ‘Thank you’ button at the bottom of their post.

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Dear experts, what about the expression 'on top of something' [without 'the']?

There is some cream on top of the cake. The clown balanced the pineapple on top of his head?

Does it work in my examples?

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  There is some cream on top of the cake. The clown balanced the pineapple on top of his head?

Yes

• 7

  People who respond to questions like to know if their answer has been of assistance. Unless you tell them, they never know. There is no need to write – if you just click on the ‘Thank you’ button at the bottom of their post.

I'm sorry for the delay, [I've been through very rough times lately], your answers were very helpful!

at the top - if a physical place, it's less specific that on the top. if not about a physical place, it can often mean 'the best'. So if you are 'at the top of your field', you are the best at your type of job.

Is there any difference between "on the top of " and "at the top of " Beyond demographics, the United States confronts a range of other challenges, globalization is at the top of that list. In this sentence, I wonder if the last part "at the top of that list " could be replaced by "on the top of that list "? But some say it's uncorrect to say "on the top of something ", the correct way to put is ""on top of something " ? and I really wonder if there is any difference between the two phases? Could anyone help me out ~Thanks a lot!

Apple

Language Skills

Chinese [Mandarin], English

Learning Language

English

[I think at could refer to a general situation, whereas on would be more specific to talk about physical location]. But I'm not sure.

Thanks in advance.

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I think the trick here is that the test was not asking for ___the top, but ___top. The only preposition used with top alone is "on."

And we don't really say "on the top," rather "on top," meaning "encima." As for "at the top," you are right that there is a subtle difference. "At the top" means "at the level of the top," so to speak--so it is more general.

I hope that helps.

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it is very subtle. You might say:

He climbed to the top of the mountain. Where is he now? - on top of the mountain. Whereabouts on the mountain is he? At the top.

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Thank you both for your answers.

I think the trick here is that the test was not asking for ___the top, but ___top.

The only preposition used with top alone is "on."

I understand what you mean, but the exercise asked for ___ the top, hence my doubt. So, it's on top, without the, but... [sorry for being so insistent ], is on the top [of the mountain, of the world, etc] definitely wrong or is it possible?

Thank you for your help.

• 5

  is on the top [of the mountain, of the world, etc] definitely wrong or is it possible?

It is not wrong, and you will hear it used [google it to see], but it is much less common than "on top."

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Possible but not common. On top of the world On top of the mountain But: At the top of the mountain

Add another adjective, and it becomes natural to use "on the." "On the snowy top of the mountain," "On the very top of the mountain."

Is it on the top or at the top?

"On the top" would be the highest surface of that mountain, or building, so "on" would be higher than "at" in that respect. In the same way, you will sometimes hear an athlete say he/she is "at the top of my game" to indicate they are playing the best they ever have.

Is it at the top or on the top of the mountain?

If you want to emphasize the height, e.g. to show how high you climbed, you would say you were "on the top of the mountain!" If you want to emphasize your location, e.g. if someone asked why you missed dinner, you would say you were "at the top of the mountain!"

What is the preposition on top of?

You can use on top or on top of to indicate that a particular problem exists in addition to a number of other problems. A stepfamily faces all the normal problems, with a set of additional problems on top. An extra 700 jobs are being cut on top of the 2,000 that were lost last year.

What is the difference between on top of and above?

We usually use above, but not over, when there is no contact between the things referred to. Over or on top of have a more general meaning, and can be used when one thing touches or covers another: They made her comfortable and put a blanket over her. Not: They made her comfortable and put a blanket above her.