What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atop
Example
The cat sat atop the roof, enjoying the view. [atop: preposition]
Example
She placed the vase atop the table. [atop: adverb]
above
Example
The plane flew above the clouds. [above: preposition]
Example
The temperature is above freezing today. [above: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Above is more commonly used than atop in everyday language. Above is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while atop is less common and tends to be used in more specific or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atop and above?
While above is considered more formal and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, atop has a more poetic or literary tone and is less commonly used in everyday conversation.
