across the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"across the table" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "I saw a flash of understanding pass across the table as we discussed the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He looked across the table.

The New Yorker

Disappointment swept across the table.

The New York Times - Travel

Iadanza leaned across the table.

The New Yorker

We pushed the napkins across the table.

The New Yorker

"You're scattering them across the table!" "Sorry.

The New Yorker

Joking taunts were shouted across the table.

The New York Times - Travel

"Actually she slid them across the table".

The New York Times

Alfred studied his wife across the table.

The New Yorker

The steam wafts across the table.

The Economist

Suddenly, I glimpsed Mom across the table.

The New York Times - Magazine

He nodded and reached across the table.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across the table" to clearly indicate the physical positioning of individuals during a conversation or shared meal, enhancing the reader's understanding of the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "across the table" when you mean to describe a more general sense of disagreement or opposition that isn't literally tied to a table setting. Instead, use phrases like "in opposition" or "at odds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the table" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate location or direction. Ludwig shows its use in describing spatial relationships during interactions, such as looking, reaching, or passing objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "across the table" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the relative position of people or objects, usually during a conversation or meal. Ludwig's analysis, combined with numerous examples, underscores its neutral register and widespread usage in news and media. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the spatial arrangement and interaction between individuals seated at a table, rather than in more abstract contexts. Remember to use related phrases like "opposite one another" or "facing each other" for alternative expressions. Also, as Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly fine to use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across from at the table

A slightly more emphatic way of saying "across from".

seated across from

More concise way to indicate someone is positioned opposite at the table.

directly across the table from

Adds emphasis to the direct opposition in seating.

on the other side of the table

Highlights the separation created by the table.

on opposite sides of the table

Similar to "on the other side", but explicitly mentions the opposing nature.

at the table, directly facing

Emphasizes the direct line of sight and presence at the table.

opposite one another at the table

This alternative emphasizes the direct opposition in seating arrangement.

facing each other at the table

Focuses on the direct visual contact and positioning.

vis-à-vis at the table

A more formal way of saying facing each other.

at the table, in opposition

Highlights a sense of potential disagreement or contrasting views.

FAQs

How can I use "across the table" in a sentence?

You can use "across the table" to describe the physical location of someone in relation to you or another person, such as, "He looked at me "across the table" with a curious expression".

What's the difference between "across the table" and "at the table"?

"At the table" simply indicates presence at the table, while "across the table" specifies someone's position relative to another person. For example, "We were both at the table, but she sat "across the table" from me".

What can I say instead of "across the table"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "opposite one another", "facing each other", or "on the other side".

Is "across the table if" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "across the table" is grammatically sound, adding "if" directly after it might create a grammatically incorrect construction, unless followed by a clause that completes the conditional statement.