arranged the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arranged the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of setting up or organizing items on a table, typically for a meal or event. Example: "Before the guests arrived, she arranged the table with elegant dinnerware and fresh flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(" 'There's a banquet for you!' observed the Rat, as he arranged the table.

The New York Times

(Middle panel) The classic Southern Women Dataset [26], where Davis has arranged the table to highlight the social group structures.

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Seven months later they are still arguing about the committee structure and arranging the table and the seats for the committee that will design the rebuilding plan.

The New York Times

By 11 a.m., he is on his feet, readying his order tickets, pacing the dining room and arranging the tables.

The New York Times

Use the Force to arrange the tables and chairs on the left side of the dining area.

WikiHow

The officers also interviewed a lawyer at the firm who was one of the founding directors of the agency that had supposedly arranged the round table.

The New York Times

Those arranged around the table represented the new face of the antiwar movement — now one of Washington's most vigorous single-issue lobbies.

The New York Times - Magazine

After a while Sebő began taking photos of the front page with his phone and darted inside; a few minutes later he returned clutching a handful of printouts that he arranged on the table.

The Guardian

Thus, it is advisable to use the equations as they are arranged in the table in accordance with the erupted teeth.

Progress in Orthodontics

The results for the starting material (320HOA) are arranged in the table according to the chemical treatment conditions applied, where the EFAL formed represents approximately 47%% of the total aluminium.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Neatly arranged on the table before us are steaming bowls of soup, wild boar and venison sausages, stacks of pancakes, slabs of cheese and an endless heap of sauerkraut.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arranged the table", consider the context. If you're referring to simply setting it for a meal, "set the table" might be more direct. Use "arranged" when there's an element of design or specific placement involved.

Common error

Avoid using "arrange the table" in informal contexts where "set the table" would be more natural. Overusing "arrange" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arranged the table" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of organizing or setting up a table. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is often used to describe preparing a table for a meal or a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arranged the table" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of setting up a table, often with a sense of order or aesthetic consideration. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While it can be used interchangeably with "set the table" in many contexts, "arranged" implies a more thoughtful or decorative approach. The phrase appears across various sources, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, making it a versatile option for describing table preparations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set the table

This is the most direct synonym, focusing on placing items for a meal.

prepared the table

Emphasizes the act of getting the table ready, similar to "arranged".

organized the table

Focuses on the neatness and order of the table setting.

laid out the table

Describes spreading items across the table in an organized manner.

decorated the table

Highlights the aesthetic aspect of setting up the table.

dressed the table

A more formal way of saying decorated or arranged, often for special occasions.

positioned items on the table

Highlights the placement of individual items on the table.

displayed items on the table

Focuses on showcasing items on the table, often for decorative purposes.

table setting

This is a noun phrase referring to how a table is arranged with dishes and cutlery.

personalized the table

Focuses on customizing the table with personal touches.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "arranged the table"?

A more common and simpler way to say "arranged the table" is to "set the table".

In what context is it best to use "arranged the table"?

The phrase "arranged the table" is best used when you are emphasizing the careful or decorative placement of items, such as for a formal dinner or special event. Otherwise, "set the table" is more common.

What's the difference between "arranged the table" and "decorated the table"?

"Arranged the table" focuses on the organized placement of items, while "decorated the table" focuses on adding aesthetic elements for visual appeal. You can "arrange" a table for functionality, but you "decorate" it for visual enhancement.

Can I use "organized the table" instead of "arranged the table"?

Yes, "organized the table" can be used similarly to "arranged the table", but "arranged" often implies a more deliberate or decorative intent. "Organized" simply means to put in order.