[Grammar] At the top of / On the top of

[garret]

I just came across the following examples in that...Grammar book:


1 - I live AT the top of the building.


2 - The clown balanced the pineapple ON the top of his head.


My thoughts ( I'm not referring to set phrases like "at the top of his voice" ):

1 = the top is part of the building
2 = exact spot

Looking at the COCA I found some confusing examples such as: "on the top of list / at the top of the list". I always thought "on the top of the list" was correct.


So what do you think guys?

 

[bhaisahab]

I just came across the following examples in that...Grammar book:


1 - I live AT the top of the building.


2 - The clown balanced the pineapple ON the top of his head.


My thoughts ( I'm not referring to set phrases like "at the top of his voice" ):

1 = the top is part of the building
2 = exact spot

Looking at the COCA I found some confusing examples such as: "on the top of list / at the top of the list". I always thought "on the top of the list" was correct.


So what do you think guys?

At the top of the building. Inside.
On the top of his head. Outside.
"At the top of the list" is correct.

 

[engee30]

I just came across the following examples in that...Grammar book:
1 - I live AT the top of the building.
2 - The clown balanced the pineapple ON the top of his head.

My thoughts ( I'm not referring to set phrases like "at the top of his voice" ):

1 = the top is part of the building
2 = exact spot

Looking at the COCA I found some confusing examples such as: "on the top of list / at the top of the list". I always thought "on the top of the list" was correct.

So what do you think guys?

♥♦♣♠ NOT A TEACHER ♥♦♣♠
If you said I live on the top of the building, that would simply imply that you lived outside the building, on the roof. :-o

 

[5jj]

People who respond to questions like to know if their answer has been of assistance. Unless you tell them, they never know. There is no need to write – if you just click on the ‘Thank you’ button at the bottom of their post.

 

[Verona_82]

Dear experts,
what about the expression 'on top of something' (without 'the')?

There is some cream on top of the cake.
The clown balanced the pineapple on top of his head?

Does it work in my examples?

 

[5jj]

There is some cream on top of the cake.
The clown balanced the pineapple on top of his head?

Does it work in my examples?

Yes

 

[garret]

People who respond to questions like to know if their answer has been of assistance. Unless you tell them, they never know. There is no need to write – if you just click on the ‘Thank you’ button at the bottom of their post.

I'm sorry for the delay, (I've been through very rough times lately), your answers were very helpful!

Thank you all, I really appreciate your time and effort! Keep up the good work!