at the next table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at the next table' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when narrating a scene in which two people or groups of people are sitting at tables that are placed near one another. For example: We stopped at our favorite cafe for lunch and, as luck would have it, bumped into a few old friends at the next table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looked at the next table, no.

The New York Times

At the next table, it's the same".

The New York Times

Young fashionables are being loud at the next table.

The New Yorker

At the next table were several couples talking American.

The New Yorker

At the next table were two couples of two generations.

The New York Times

By chance, Ai Weiwei was sitting at the next table.

The New Yorker

But the three women at the next table demurred.

The New Yorker

You may spot King Juan Carlos at the next table.

Independent

The Iddings and Roosevelts were dining at the next table with some English people.

Harvard University

"It looks too pretty to eat," the woman at the next table whispers.

The New York Times - Food

Still, the man at the next table is having a smashing time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the next table" to create a sense of immediacy and observation in narrative writing. It positions the reader as a close observer of the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "at the next table" when you mean the closest table in general. "Next" implies a specific, usually adjacent, position. If you just mean a table that's nearby, consider "at a nearby table" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the next table" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. It describes where an action is taking place or where someone or something is situated. Ludwig examples confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the next table" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate location, specifically an adjacent table. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile enough for use in diverse contexts, ranging from informal narratives to journalistic pieces. Its primary function is to provide spatial context, enhancing a reader's or listener's sense of immediacy and observation. While "at the next table" is appropriate for most situations, alternatives such as "at the adjacent table" can provide a more formal tone, and being mindful of precision is key to avoiding confusion with similar phrases like "at another table".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the adjoining table

Emphasizes physical connection between the tables.

at the adjacent table

A more formal alternative to "at the next table", indicating direct adjacency.

at the neighboring table

Similar to 'adjoining' but may imply a slightly greater distance.

at a nearby table

Highlights proximity without specifying adjacency.

at the table beside us

Specifies the table's location relative to the speaker.

sitting at the next table

Focuses on the act of sitting at the adjacent table.

the people at the next table

Shifts focus to the occupants of the adjacent table.

at the table over there

Indicates a table that is visible but not necessarily close.

at a different table

Highlights the difference between the current table and another one.

at another table

General reference to a different table without specifying position.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the next table" to describe people or actions happening close to you, for instance: "The conversation "at the next table" was surprisingly loud."

What's a more formal alternative to "at the next table"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "at the adjacent table" or "at the adjoining table", which both emphasize direct proximity.

Is it always necessary to specify 'at' before 'the next table'?

Yes, the preposition "at" is crucial for indicating location. Omitting it changes the meaning or creates an ungrammatical sentence.

How does "at the next table" differ from "at another table"?

"At the next table" implies a table that's specifically adjacent to your own. "At another table" simply refers to a different table without specifying its location relative to yours.