What are the definitions of “top out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop increasing, reach the highest point.
The temperature TOPPED OUT at forty degrees yesterday.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “top out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb top out is to stop increasing or reach the highest point. It can be used to describe the highest level or point that something reaches, such as temperature, prices, or even buildings.
What are the different verb forms of “top out”?
| Root Verb | top out |
| Third Person Singular Present | tops out |
| Present Participle | topping out |
| Simple Past | topped out |
| Past Participle | topped out |
Example
The stock market topped out at a record high last week.
Example
The building tops out at 100 meters.
Example
The temperature is topping out at 30 degrees today.
Example
The mountain climber topped out on the summit.
Example
The price of the product topped out at $500.
What kind of phrasal verb is “top out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“top out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The temperature topped out at 40 degrees yesterday.
Example
The building topped out at 100 meters.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“top out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The temperature topped out at 40 degrees yesterday.
Example
The building topped out at 100 meters.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “top out”?
Good things to know
Does “top out” have an informal or formal tone?
Top out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
