behind the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is situated at the back of a table. Example: "The cat was hiding behind the table during the thunderstorm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Behind the table, the couple held hands.

The New Yorker

Behind the table stood an upright piano.

The New York Times - Sports

I take a seat behind the table and wait.

The Guardian

I stood behind the table and picked up a knife.

The Guardian - Books

I am introduced to the panel sitting behind the table.

The Guardian

Behind the table was a row of portable toilets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

What behind-the-table concerns do negotiators have and how can they leverage these for value creation and claiming during the negotiating process?

Harvard University

"Level Two Negotiations: Helping the Other Side Meet Its 'Behind-the-Table' Challenges". Negotiation Journal 29, no. 1 (January 2013): 7 21.

Harvard University

(What is principal agent theory and what are some behind-the-table concerns negotiators should consider when drafting an agreement? To find out more, please read Conflict Resolution – Do You Need a Broker?). 2. Study relevant laws and standards.

Harvard University

In dispute resolution, behind-the-table dynamics between lawyer and client strategies that inspire honest, open communication and a united front are at least as important as across-the-table moves.

Harvard University

Add googly eyes to your pom pom and glue to a Popsicle stick for behind-the-table puppets.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “behind the table” to clearly indicate a spatial relationship, especially when describing positions in a narrative or setting a scene. For example, "The speaker stood behind the table, addressing the audience."

Common error

Avoid replacing “behind the table” with overly vague phrases like “near the table” when a precise location is needed. “Near” doesn't always convey the intended meaning of being directly at the back.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the table" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb by indicating location. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its role in describing spatial relationships and settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “behind the table” is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a location at the back of a table. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts. It appears frequently in news and media, academia, and general writing. While alternatives exist, such as "at the back of the table" or "in back of the table", the choice depends on the specific nuance and formality desired. Using “behind the table” effectively helps to provide clear spatial orientation and context in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the back of the table

Emphasizes the location being at the rear side of the table.

in back of the table

A more informal way of saying "behind the table".

at the rear of the table

A more formal way of saying "behind the table".

in the area behind the table

Specifies a more general area rather than a precise location.

on the far side of the table

Highlights the opposite side of the table from a given viewpoint.

beyond the table

Indicates a position further away than the table.

on the other side of the table

Highlights the table as a barrier or divider.

positioned behind the table

Emphasizes the act of placing something in that location.

concealed by the table

Indicates the table is providing cover.

out of sight behind the table

Indicates that something cannot be seen because the table is blocking it.

FAQs

How can I use "behind the table" in a sentence?

Use "behind the table" to specify a location at the back of a table. For instance, "The waiter stood "behind the table", ready to take orders."

What are some alternatives to saying "behind the table"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "at the back of the table", "in back of the table", or "on the far side of the table".

Is it correct to say "in back of the table" instead of "behind the table"?

Both "behind the table" and "in back of the table" are generally acceptable, but "behind the table" is often considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "behind the table" and "under the table"?

"Behind the table" indicates a position at the back of the table, while "under the table" specifies a position beneath the table. For example, the cat hid "behind the table", not "under the table".