On top of something/somebody
preposition
Directly above or covering something.
The book is on top of the desk.
Often appears as...
- sit on top of
- stand on top of
preposition
In control of or managing something or someone.
As a supervisor, you need to be on top of your team.
Often appears as...
- stay on top of
- get on top of
Usage tips
Approving
Colloquial
preposition
In addition to something.
On top of his salary, he also received commissions.
Often appears as...
- pay on top of
- received on top of
preposition
Fully aware or informed about something.
We need to stay on top of the latest industry trends.
Often appears as...
- keep on top of
- stay on top of
Usage tips
Approving
preposition
Directly above or covering something.
The book is on top of the desk.
Often appears as...
- sit on top of
- stand on top of
preposition
In control of or managing something or someone.
As a supervisor, you need to be on top of your team.
Often appears as...
- stay on top of
- get on top of
Usage tips
Approving
Colloquial
preposition
In addition to something.
On top of his salary, he also received commissions.
Often appears as...
- pay on top of
- received on top of
preposition
Fully aware or informed about something.
We need to stay on top of the latest industry trends.
Often appears as...
- keep on top of
- stay on top of
Usage tips
Approving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position
It implies something physically resting at the highest point of an object or surface.
The cat slept on top of the warm television.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Use
This usage is very literal and meant to describe a physical location.
She placed the vase on top of the shelf.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Clarity
It helps create a mental picture of where items are located in relation to each other.
I found my keys on top of the refrigerator.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position
It implies something physically resting at the highest point of an object or surface.
The cat slept on top of the warm television.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Use
This usage is very literal and meant to describe a physical location.
She placed the vase on top of the shelf.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Clarity
It helps create a mental picture of where items are located in relation to each other.
I found my keys on top of the refrigerator.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position
It implies something physically resting at the highest point of an object or surface.
The cat slept on top of the warm television.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Use
This usage is very literal and meant to describe a physical location.
She placed the vase on top of the shelf.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Clarity
It helps create a mental picture of where items are located in relation to each other.
I found my keys on top of the refrigerator.
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