bring something to the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'bring something to the table' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to express someone having/offering something unique or valuable to a discussion or situation. Example: "I want to bring something to the table when I join the team, so I'm doing my best to research and stay up-to-date on the latest trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They bring something to the table".

The New York Times

I bring something to the table that you need.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The other guy has to bring something to the table".

The New York Times - Sports

It has to bring something to the table, nutritionally.

The Washington Post

"I knew I had to bring something to the table," he says.

The Guardian - Film

"I had to convince myself that I could bring something to the table," he said.

Independent

We bring something to the table that players from other countries don't bring.

The New York Times - Sports

The artist concluded: "I enjoy participating in the dialogue and I want to bring something to the table".

The Guardian - Arts

People cook to bring something to the table; people write to keep something that was said there.

The New Yorker

The minorities in this group are active participants who bring something to the table other than color".

The New York Times

"I would get a feeling of what he wanted and bring something to the table he hadn't thought of.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring something to the table" to highlight the specific value an individual or group adds to a collaborative effort, reinforcing their importance and contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "bring something to the table" without specifying what that 'something' is. This can make the phrase seem vague and less impactful. Be explicit about the unique value offered.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "bring something to the table" functions as a verbal expression to indicate the act of contributing a valuable skill, idea, or resource to a group effort. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s used to express having or offering something unique or valuable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring something to the table" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to emphasize the value of individual contributions. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing the act of offering something unique or valuable. As evidenced by its prevalence in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse situations. To ensure clarity and impact, it's best practice to specify the unique skill or perspective being offered, avoiding vague generalizations. Related phrases include "contribute meaningfully", "offer unique expertise", and "provide valuable input".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a significant contribution

Focuses on the impact of the contribution.

contribute meaningfully

Focuses on the significance of the contribution.

provide valuable input

Emphasizes the usefulness of the contribution.

offer unique expertise

Highlights the specialized knowledge one provides.

add a valuable perspective

Stresses the importance of a different viewpoint.

offer a unique skill set

Highlights specific skills brought to a situation.

provide a distinct advantage

Emphasizes the benefits one offers.

add substance to the discussion

Focuses on enriching a conversation or project.

enrich the team dynamic

Highlights improving relationships among the members.

infuse innovation into the project

Focuses on the capacity to introduce novelty.

FAQs

How can I use "bring something to the table" in a sentence?

You can use "bring something to the table" to highlight the value someone adds to a team or project. For example, "Her experience in marketing will "bring something to the table" that we currently lack".

What does it mean to "bring something to the table"?

To "bring something to the table" means to offer a valuable skill, perspective, or resource to a situation or collaboration. It suggests a unique contribution that enhances the overall outcome.

What can I say instead of "bring something to the table"?

You can use alternatives like "contribute meaningfully", "offer unique expertise", or "provide valuable input" depending on the specific context.

Is "bring something to the table" formal or informal?

"Bring something to the table" is generally considered a neutral phrase that can be used in both formal and informal settings, although it is most commonly used in professional or collaborative contexts.