arrived at the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arrived at the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has reached a physical location, typically a dining table, or metaphorically to suggest participation in a discussion or negotiation. Example: "After a long day of meetings, we finally arrived at the table to discuss the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The wine arrived at the table in a large, voluptuously curved jug.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A waiter arrived at the table, placing a bowl right in the middle.

The New York Times - Travel

"Everyone here sings," he explained as a newly hired waitress arrived at the table.

The New York Times - Arts

They arrived at the table smoking and fragrant, making a spectacular entrance.

The New York Times

Each dish arrived at the table quickly, delivered by professional but impersonal servers.

The New York Times

Cheeseburgers and chowder arrived at the table, and the women traded stories about the movement.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

A woman watching as plates of food arrived at the tables inside seemed to have the menu memorized: "There are the onion rings — those are so good!

The New Yorker

Olivier Krug arrives at the table in full performative mode.

The Telegraph

An egg arrives at the table, its top sliced off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What arrives at the table has the innocent mien of a crab cake, plump and golden.

The New York Times - Food

Dishes take about 20 minutes longer than they should to arrive at the table.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical table or using the phrase metaphorically to describe participation in a discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "arrived at the table" in contexts where it could be misinterpreted as a physical arrival when you intend a metaphorical meaning (e.g., joining a discussion). Clarify the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arrived at the table" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of reaching a specific location, often in a dining or meeting context. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arrived at the table" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe either the physical act of reaching a table or, metaphorically, the point at which parties are ready to discuss or negotiate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "reached the table" and "came to the table" offer slight nuances, "arrived at the table" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached the table

Replaces "arrived" with "reached", emphasizing the action of getting to the table.

came to the table

Uses "came" instead of "arrived", focusing on the movement towards the table.

approached the table

Suggests a process of getting closer to the table, rather than being there already.

appeared at the table

Implies a sudden or unexpected presence at the table.

sat down at the table

Focuses on the action of sitting at the table, implying arrival.

joined the table

Highlights the act of becoming part of a group already at the table.

presented itself at the table

Adds a formal or emphasized tone to the arrival.

was delivered to the table

Shifts focus to the delivery of something to the table.

materialized at the table

Conveys a sense of something suddenly appearing at the table, often unexpectedly.

was at the table

Simply states the presence at the table, without explicitly mentioning arrival.

FAQs

How can I use "arrived at the table" in a sentence?

You can use "arrived at the table" to describe someone or something physically reaching a table, such as "The waiter "arrived at the table" with our drinks". It can also be used metaphorically, like "After much debate, both sides "arrived at the table" to negotiate".

What are some alternatives to "arrived at the table"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "reached the table", "came to the table", or "sat down at the table".

Is there a difference between "arrived at the table" and "arrives at the table"?

"Arrived at the table" is in the past tense, indicating a completed action. "Arrives at the table" is in the present tense, describing an action that is currently happening or happens regularly.

Can "arrived at the table" be used in a non-literal sense?

Yes, "arrived at the table" can be used metaphorically to describe reaching a point in a discussion or negotiation where parties are ready to discuss and potentially compromise. For instance, "After weeks of disagreement, they finally "arrived at the table" for negotiations".