across the table from

USAGE SUMMARY

"across the table from" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the placement of two people or objects in relation to each other, with one being on the opposite side of a table from the other. Example: Sarah sat across the table from her colleague, discussing their new project. In this sentence, the phrase "across the table from" is used to indicate the position of Sarah and her colleague, with Sarah being on one side of the table and the colleague being on the other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I have sat across the table from Vladimir Putin".

The Guardian

Andersen accountants who did work for HIH often found themselves across the table from former colleagues.

The New York Times

Across the table from me was a youngish couple huddled in deep relationship negotiation.

The New York Times - Food

At that moment, a large farang swoops into the empty seat across the table from us.

The Guardian - Books

"So now he sits where you're sitting" — across the table from Duffy.

The New Yorker

The man sitting across the table from her noticed that she was looking out.

The New Yorker

Across the table from the nominee was her husband, a rumpled professor of sociology.

The New Yorker

One example of this is sitting across the table from us: Marcia Louisy.

The Guardian

I sit down across the table from her. Jayne is on her phone, scrolling.

The New Yorker

"And we're sitting across the table from them," with investment products at the ready.

The New York Times

Dick Freund, representing ABC, often sat across the table from the Writers Guild of America, East in bitter negotiations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, "across the table from" can effectively set the scene and hint at the dynamics between characters.

Common error

Avoid using "across the table from" when the interaction doesn't actually involve a table; consider alternatives like "facing" or "opposite" if there's no table present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the table from" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location or position. As exemplified by Ludwig, it specifies the spatial relationship between two subjects separated by a table.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "across the table from" is a prepositional phrase used to describe the position of someone or something on the opposite side of a table, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound, very common, and primarily used in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the interaction actually involves a table. Alternatives like "opposite me" or "facing me" may be more appropriate if a table isn't present. The phrase is considered neutral in register. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various scenarios, reinforcing its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across from

A shortened, less formal version of the original phrase.

on the other side of the table

More descriptive and emphasizes the table as a boundary or separation.

opposite me

Focuses on the direct opposition in position, omitting the table as an intermediary.

facing me

Emphasizes the act of facing, which can occur without a table, making it broader in application.

at the opposite end of the table

Emphasizes the distance and boundary implied by 'the table'.

vis-à-vis

A more formal term indicating a relationship or comparison, suitable in professional or academic contexts.

sitting face to face

Focuses on the direct visual interaction between individuals.

confronting me

Suggests a direct and potentially adversarial encounter.

in front of me

A general term indicating something is positioned directly ahead, lacking the specific context of a table.

in opposition to

Highlights a contrasting position or viewpoint, often in a more abstract sense.

FAQs

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

Use "across the table from" to indicate someone or something is situated on the opposite side of a table in relation to another person or object. For instance, "She sat "across the table from" her lawyer during the meeting".

What phrases are similar to "across the table from"?

Similar phrases include "opposite me", "facing me", or "on the other side of the table", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "across from the table" instead of "across the table from"?

"Across from the table" is grammatically correct, but it is less common and can sound slightly awkward. "Across the table from" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "across the table from" and "opposite"?

"Across the table from" specifies that the two subjects are separated by a table. "Opposite" simply means facing each other, without necessarily implying a table or other object between them.