What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upper
Example
He injured his upper back while lifting weights. [upper: adjective]
Example
She works in upper management at the company. [upper: noun]
Example
I need to buy a new upper for my winter coat. [upper: noun]
top
Example
The mountain top was covered in snow. [top: noun]
Example
She finished in the top three of the race. [top: adjective]
Example
The cake was decorated with a layer of frosting on top. [top: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Top is more commonly used than upper in everyday language. Top is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while upper is more technical and often used in specific fields such as medicine or anatomy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upper and top?
Upper can have a more formal or technical connotation due to its usage in specific fields, while top is more casual and commonly used in everyday language.
