a table by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a table by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the location of a table in relation to another object or feature, often indicating proximity. Example: "We decided to sit at a table by the window to enjoy the view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A table by the sea.

The New York Times

A table by the kitchen?

The New York Times - Style

They arranged themselves loosely around a table by a window.

The New York Times

We eased into seats at a table by the window.

The New York Times

Susan showed us to a table by a large window.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm glad of a table by the window.

Independent

Culaccino is the Italian word for the mark left on a table by a cold glass.

The New Yorker

Immediately he ushers us to a table by the leaded windows overlooking the park.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ask for a table by the windows and watch the river glow as the sun sets.

The New York Times - Travel

I bought a paper, ordered coffee and eggs, and sat at a table by the window.

The New Yorker

The woman nibbling alone at a table by the bar turned out to be a waitress.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, be specific about what the table is next to (e.g., "a table by the window") to provide clear context for your reader.

Common error

Ensure the reference point is clear. Saying "a table by" without specifying what it's near can confuse your audience. Always complete the phrase (e.g., "a table by the fireplace").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a table by" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun (e.g., "We sat at a table by the window"). Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in specifying location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a table by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase for indicating the location of a table in relation to another object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its frequent appearance in contexts ranging from news and media to academic writing. Common alternatives include "a table near" and "a table next to". When using this phrase, it's important to specify what the table is near to avoid ambiguity. Given its common usage and clear meaning, "a table by" is a reliable choice for describing spatial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a table near

Indicates close proximity, similar to "a table by", but focuses more on the short distance.

a table next to

Specifies immediate adjacency, implying the table is directly beside something.

a table beside

Similar to "a table next to", emphasizing the side-by-side position.

a table close to

Emphasizes the small distance between the table and another object.

a table at

Indicates the table's location in a general area or establishment, instead of a specific landmark. Example: 'a table at the restaurant'.

a table adjacent to

Formally indicates that the table is right next to something.

a table alongside

Suggests the table is positioned parallel to something else.

a table situated by

Emphasizes the placement or location of the table.

a table in proximity to

A more formal way to say the table is close to something.

a table overlooking

Indicates a table with a view of something, shifting focus from proximity to perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "a table by" in a sentence?

Use "a table by" to indicate the location of a table in relation to another object or feature. For example, "We sat at "a table by the window"" or "There's "a table by the bar" available".

What's a more formal way to say "a table by"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a table adjacent to" or "a table in proximity to".

What can I say instead of "a table by" to indicate a view?

If you want to emphasize the view from the table, you could say "a table overlooking" something, such as "a table overlooking the sea".

Is it always necessary to specify what the table is "by"?

Yes, it's important to specify what the table is near to avoid ambiguity. Saying just "a table by" without context leaves the reader wondering what the table is next to.