brought to the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brought to the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that an idea or topic has been introduced into the conversation for consideration. For example, "At the meeting, John brought a new suggestion to the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Champagne is brought to the table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's what indies have brought to the table.

The Guardian

"It's just phenomenal what he has brought to the table".

The Guardian - Sport

We were belatedly brought to the table in recent months".

The New York Times

In addition to the one chosen, others are often brought to the table for sampling.

The New York Times

"But what Ron brought to the table was that he could hit the home run".

The New York Times - Sports

The play showed the togetherness Chip Kelly has brought to the table.

The Guardian - Sport

Come to think of it, everything they brought to the table was broad: hips, knees, feet.

The New York Times

The drinks were brought to the table, and Mr. Wells took a long swig.

The New York Times - Magazine

*Much of the barbecuing is accomplished on portable grills brought to the table.

The New York Times

"It seems there was a problem with what I brought to the table".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brought to the table" when you want to highlight the value or specific contribution someone is making to a discussion, negotiation, or project. For example, instead of saying 'He participated in the meeting', you could say 'He brought valuable insights to the table'.

Common error

Avoid using "brought to the table" too frequently in extremely formal or academic writing. While acceptable, more precise or formal alternatives like 'contributed', 'introduced', or 'presented' may be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brought to the table" functions as a verb phrase, often used metaphorically to describe the act of introducing something valuable or beneficial to a discussion, negotiation, or project. It highlights the contribution of a person or thing. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brought to the table" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies contributing something valuable to a discussion, negotiation, or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, primarily in news and media and formal business settings. While synonyms like "contributed to the discussion" or "introduced for consideration" exist, "brought to the table" carries a slightly informal tone, making it essential to consider the context and audience. Overusing it in highly formal or academic writing might diminish its impact. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "brought to the table" to highlight valuable contributions and enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributed to the discussion

Focuses on the act of contributing, highlighting participation in a discussion.

introduced for consideration

Emphasizes the act of presenting something for evaluation or deliberation.

presented for review

Similar to 'introduced', but implies a more formal assessment process.

added to the mix

More informal, suggesting an element was included among others.

offered as a solution

Highlights the offering of a solution to a problem or challenge.

proposed as an idea

Focuses on the act of suggesting an idea for consideration.

supplied as input

Emphasizes the providing of information or resources.

delivered for assessment

Highlights the act of delivering something to be reviewed.

injected into the conversation

Suggests forcefully adding something to an existing conversation.

tabled for discussion

Implies the item has been formally placed on the agenda for discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "brought to the table" to indicate what someone contributes or offers in a discussion or project. For example, "Her experience in marketing "brought to the table" a fresh perspective on the campaign".

What are some alternatives to "brought to the table"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contributed to the discussion", "introduced for consideration", or "presented for review".

Is "brought to the table" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable in professional settings, consider your audience and the overall tone. In very formal documents, alternatives like "contributed" or "provided" might be more suitable.

Can "brought to the table" refer to tangible items?

Yes, though it's more often used for intangible contributions like skills, ideas, or experience. For example, "They "brought to the table" their extensive network of contacts".