bottom of the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bottom of the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to rankings, standings, or positions, often in sports or competitive scenarios. Example: "After a disappointing season, the team found themselves at the bottom of the table, struggling to secure any wins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They are bottom of the table.

The Guardian - Sport

Mumbai was bottom of the table at $29,742.

The Guardian

Victory lifted Albion off the bottom of the table.

The Guardian - Sport

Stoke were bottom of the table in September.

The Guardian - Sport

And now they sit bottom of the table this morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Bottom of the table Doncaster won 2-1 at Peterborough.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Only one goal separates them from bottom-of-the-table Freiburg.

The Guardian - Sport

No team have fewer than bottom-of-the-table Burnley, which probably will.

The Guardian - Sport

Sitting seventh in Premier League table, they host bottom-of-the-table West Bromwich tomorrow.

The Guardian - Sport

Moeen Ali travels to Uxbridge, where bottom-of-the-table Worcestershire take on fourth-placed Middlesex.

The Guardian - Sport

Bottom-of-the-table Prestatyn have already been relegated.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bottom of the table" in sports writing, consider adding context about the team's performance or prospects for improvement to provide a more complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "bottom of the table" when you mean simply "low-ranked". The phrase explicitly denotes the absolute lowest position, not just a poor one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottom of the table" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an adverbial or complement. It indicates the lowest position in a ranked list or competition, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bottom of the table" is a commonly used phrase to denote the lowest rank in a list or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in News & Media contexts. While alternative phrases like "last place" or "lowest rank" exist, "bottom of the table" is widely understood and appropriate for neutral communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly relates to a ranked order, and avoid confusing it with general descriptions of being low-ranked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last place

Indicates the very final position, synonymous with "bottom of the table".

in last position

Directly states the final position in a competition or ranking.

lowest rank

Focuses on the ranking aspect, implying the worst position.

dead last

Emphasizes the definitive nature of being in last place.

at the foot of the list

Highlights the position at the very end of a ranked list.

rock bottom

Emphasizes being at the absolute lowest point, often used figuratively.

cellar dweller

An informal term for a team or entity consistently at the bottom.

tail-ender

Informal term indicating the person or team at the end.

wooden spooner

A mostly British English term for a team or individual in last place.

in the relegation zone

Specifically refers to sports leagues where the lowest-ranked teams are moved to a lower division.

FAQs

How can I use "bottom of the table" in a sentence?

You can use "bottom of the table" to describe a team or entity that is in the lowest position in a ranking or competition. For example, "After a series of losses, the team found themselves at the bottom of the table".

What is an alternative to saying "bottom of the table"?

Alternatives include "last place", "lowest rank", or "in last position". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at the bottom of the table" or "bottom of the table"?

Both "at the bottom of the table" and "bottom of the table" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What does it mean when a team is "in the relegation zone" instead of at the "bottom of the table"?

Being "in the relegation zone" refers specifically to leagues where the teams at the bottom of the table are moved down to a lower division at the end of the season. It's a more specific term than simply being at the "bottom of the table".