on top of
prepositional phrase.prepositional phrase. you use this when one thing happens in addition to another, usually when both things are bad. It can also mean being in control of a situation or having everything organized.
prepositional phrase. used to indicate an additional, often cumulative, factor or event, typically with a negative connotation. It also functions idiomatically to describe being fully in control of or well-informed about a task or situation.
On top of the rain, our car broke down.
On top of her busy work schedule, she has to care for her elderly parents every evening.
The company faced a massive fine on top of the reputational damage caused by the recent data breach.
when used to mean 'in addition to', it almost always precedes a noun or a gerund.
distinguish between the literal spatial meaning (position) and the figurative meaning (addition or control); the 'control' sense is often used with the verb 'stay' or 'be'.
On top of finish the report, I had to attend three meetings.On top of finishing the report, I had to attend three meetings.when 'on top of' is followed by a verb, that verb must be in the -ing (gerund) form.