What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upside
Example
The book was lying upside down on the table. [upside: adverb]
Example
One upside of working from home is having more flexibility in your schedule. [upside: noun]
Example
She did a yoga pose where she balanced on her hands with her legs in the air, upside down. [upside: adjective]
top
Example
The cake was decorated with frosting on top. [top: noun]
Example
He placed the lid on top of the box. [top: preposition]
Example
The mountain climber reached the top of the peak. [top: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Top is more commonly used than upside in everyday language. Top is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while upside is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upside and top?
Top is more formal than upside. While top can be used in both formal and informal contexts, upside is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.