What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shirt
Example
He wore a white shirt and black pants to the job interview. [shirt: noun]
Example
She is ironing her husband's shirts for work tomorrow. [shirts: plural noun]
top
Example
She bought a new top to wear to the party tonight. [top: noun]
Example
He likes to wear tops with bright colors and patterns. [tops: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shirt is more commonly used than top in formal or professional settings. However, top is more versatile and can be worn in a wider range of settings, including casual and social occasions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shirt and top?
Shirt is generally considered more formal than top. It is often worn in professional or formal settings, while top is more commonly worn in casual or social settings. However, top can also be dressed up for semi-formal occasions depending on the style and material.