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Prepositions after adjectives

How to use “top” with prepositions

“Top of” is the most common pattern for position or ranking. Other combinations depend on the meaning.

Quick answer

Most common use

Use “top of” for physical position or ranking. “Top in” is used for fields or categories, while “top for” refers to suitability or reputation. “Top on” and “top with” are uncommon as fixed adjective patterns.

She is top of the class.
The company is top in customer satisfaction.
This restaurant is top for seafood.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
top of + place/group

Highest position or rank

Use this pattern for physical position or leading status.

He finished top of his group.
2
top in + field

Leading within an area

Use “in” for areas of activity or measurement.

The country ranks top in innovation.
3
top for + quality/purpose

Known or recommended for something

Use “for” to describe what someone or something is best known for.

The hotel is top for family holidays.
4
on top of + noun

Controlling or managing something

This is a common phrase meaning in control or fully informed.

She is on top of the schedule.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
top of
They stayed at the top of the league.
highest position or rank
top in
The school is top in science results.
leading within a category
top for
The city is top for nightlife.
especially known or recommended for something
top on
The file is on top on the shelf.
here “on” is part of a place phrase, not a fixed adjective pattern
top with
The cake was topped with cream.
different structure using the verb “top”

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “top on” as an adjective pattern

“Top on” is not a normal fixed combination with the adjective “top”.

✕ She is top on maths. ✓ She is top in maths.

Confusing “top of” and “on top of”

“Top of” shows position; “on top of” often means physically above or in control.

✕ He is top the problem. ✓ He is on top of the problem.

Using “with” after adjective “top”

“Top with” belongs to the verb “top”, not the adjective.

✕ The dessert is top with chocolate. ✓ The dessert is topped with chocolate.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She finished ___ the class.
2. The company is top ___ customer service.
3. This beach is top ___ surfing.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “top of” the most common pattern?

Yes. It is widely used for position and ranking.

Can I say “top in science”?

Yes. “Top in” is natural for fields, subjects, or categories.

Is “top with” correct?

Usually no as an adjective pattern. It is more common with the verb “topped with”.

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