all over the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all over the table" is a valid expression in written English.
It is used to describe something that is spread or scattered across a surface, usually a flat one. For example, "The children's toys were all over the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The beer was frothing up like Mount Vesuvius, going all over the table.

BBC

He had one bite of his lunch and was sick all over the table.

The Guardian

But it looks as if a jug or glass containing polonium spilled all over the table.

The Guardian

It whirred and vibrated and jumped all over the table, but it did its job well.

The New Yorker

I slit them open and pecans slipped out all over the table.

The New York Times - Magazine

Darren: We did kind of make a mess all over the table with the fish.

The Washington Post

I speak too quickly, and my food would be splattered all over the table".

The New York Times

"Oh, yeah, in the dining room, all over the table, on their dinner companions," Mr. Bastianich said.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There are birthday cards all over the kitchen table.

The Guardian

In the paranoid, hyper-­testosterone-charged universe Heller has built, every bookstore is an abattoir, with icky literary bits strewed all over the tables: " 'Truckstop Tranny Crack Whore!' " Dixon reports from the Barnes & Noble at Union Square.

The New York Times - Books

People would even be all over the tables and everything, so they had to take the tables out of places where we played.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a chaotic or messy scene, using "all over the table" can vividly illustrate the extent of the disarray. For example, "After the kids finished their art project, there was paint "all over the table".

Common error

Avoid using "all over the table" when you only mean a specific part of the table is affected. Instead of saying "The stain was "all over the table"", specify "The stain was on the corner of the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all over the table" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or extent. It describes something that is widely distributed or scattered across the surface of a table. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all over the table" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a widespread distribution of items or substances on a table. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It's commonly found in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in News & Media, and Wiki sources, conveying a sense of messiness or abundance. While grammatically sound, more formal situations might call for more precise language. Alternatives like "scattered across the table" may be considered in such cases. Remember to use this phrase when you truly mean something is distributed widely across the table and not just in a localized area. The examples show its usefulness in various real-world scenarios, and the related phrases offer alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered across the table

Focuses on the random arrangement of items.

spread across the table

Emphasizes the even distribution over the surface.

strewn across the table

Suggests a careless or random scattering.

covering the table

Highlights the extent to which the table is occupied.

littered on the table

Implies a messy or undesirable distribution.

across the entire table

Emphasizes the completeness of the spread.

covering the tabletop

Specifies the exact surface that is covered.

distributed on the table

Focuses on how items are arranged on the table.

on every part of the table

Highlights the inclusivity of the spread.

all around the table

Similar meaning, but could also mean around instead of on.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "all over the table" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you might use alternatives like "scattered across the table" or "distributed on the table" for a more refined tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "all over the table"?

The phrase is grammatically correct, but it's best to avoid it if you need to be very specific about the location of something on the table. In such cases, specify which part of the table is affected.

What does "all over the table" imply about the situation being described?

It often suggests a sense of messiness, abundance, or widespread distribution. It can indicate a chaotic or uncontrolled situation.

What are some common things you might find "all over the table"?

Common examples include food spills, craft supplies, documents, or playing cards. The phrase is versatile and can apply to a wide range of items.