In SQL, you can use the TOP clause to retrieve a specified number of rows from the result set. The exact syntax may vary depending on the database system you are using.

Here are a few examples of how to use the TOP clause:

1. Retrieve a specific number of rows:

SELECT TOP n column1, column2, ...
FROM table_name;

Replace `n` with the number of rows you want to retrieve, and `column1, column2, ...` with the columns you want to select. This query will return the top `n` rows from the specified table.

2. Retrieve a percentage of rows:

SELECT TOP n PERCENT column1, column2, ...
FROM table_name;

Replace `n` with the percentage of rows you want to retrieve (e.g., 10 for 10% of rows), and `column1, column2, ...` with the columns you want to select. This query will return the top `n` percent of rows from the specified table.

Note that the exact syntax and availability of the TOP clause can vary depending on the database system. For example, in MySQL, you can use the LIMIT clause instead of TOP:

SELECT column1, column2, ...
FROM table_name
LIMIT n;

Replace `n` with the number of rows you want to retrieve. This query will return the first `n` rows from the specified table.

Please consult the documentation specific to your database system for the correct syntax and usage of the TOP or LIMIT clause.