1. “On Top Of”

Meaning and Usage
“On top of” refers to a physical position where something is directly above and resting on the surface of something else. It emphasizes contact with the surface or the topmost position.

Examples:

• “The cat is sitting on top of the table.” (The cat is physically on the table’s surface.)
• “She placed the book on top of the stack.” (The book is on the highest point of the stack.)

Figurative Use
“On top of” can also be used in non-literal contexts to mean “in addition to” or “in control of.”

• “I have to finish this report on top of my other tasks.” (It means additional tasks to handle.)
• “He’s really on top of his work.” (It suggests he is managing his work well.)

2. “Over”

Meaning and Usage
“Over” generally means “above” but does not necessarily imply direct contact. It can describe something being at a higher position relative to something else, either in a physical or abstract sense. It can also indicate covering or motion across a surface.

Examples:

• “The bird flew over the lake.” (The bird was above the lake but not in contact with it.)
• “She placed a blanket over the child.” (The blanket is covering the child.)

Additional Uses

• Control or Supervision: “He has authority over his team.”
• Duration: “They talked over dinner.”
• Movement: “He jumped over the fence.”

Key Differences

1. Contact vs. No Contact:
   • “On top of” implies physical contact or being the uppermost part of something.
   • “Over” suggests being above or higher without implying contact.
2. Position vs. Motion/Control:
   • “On top of” is usually about position (literal or figurative stacking).
   • “Over” can refer to movement, coverage, duration, or control.

Practice Examples

1. “I placed the flower vase ___ the shelf.”
   (Hint: Contact involved)
2. “The helicopter hovered ___ the city.”
   (Hint: No contact but above)

Answers:

1. “on top of”
2. “over”