can be tabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be tabled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or discussions, to indicate that a topic or motion can be postponed or set aside for future consideration. Example: "The proposal for the new budget can be tabled until the next meeting for further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Decide together what you'll reasonably accomplish in the time allotted: Are there items that can be tabled for another time?

Harvard Business Review

But because such a challenge can be tabled by the vote of a simple majority, and because there are fifty-five Republican senators, the ruling would be upheld.

The New Yorker

Downing Street says there is a long way to go before a deal is sealed, but is also hoping that detailed text can be tabled by Tuesday.

The Guardian

There is uncertainty over the Jan Lokpal bill after a row over whether it needs the consent of the federal government before it can be tabled in the Delhi assembly.

BBC

Proposals to add a debate to the agenda have to be made to the President at least one hour before the sitting opens, and can be tabled by one of the Parliament's committees, one of its political groups, or a group of 38 MEPs.

BBC

David laid out the idea that trust can be tabled for now, concentrate on winning.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Diagrams can be tables, ‘trees’, pie charts, or any other form appropriate to support the discussion of a particular topic.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The commission proposals can only be tabled once the result of the UK referendum is known.

The Guardian

"Fuck it, I can be coffee table now!

The Guardian - Music

Hence, comparing results can be difficult (Table 1).

Annals of Intensive Care

Nevertheless, some general observations can be made (Table S4).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be tabled" in formal settings like meetings, parliamentary procedures, or when discussing official proposals. Ensure the context clearly indicates the item is being postponed for later discussion, not rejected outright.

Common error

Avoid using "can be tabled" when you mean to reject an idea completely. It suggests postponement, not cancellation. If you intend to discard something, use phrases like "rejected", "dismissed", or "withdrawn" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be tabled" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a proposal, motion, or topic is suitable for postponement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This passive construction shifts the focus from the actor to the action, emphasizing the possibility of deferral.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be tabled" is a grammatically sound and useful expression in formal settings to suggest postponing a discussion or decision. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and serves the purpose of delaying consideration, not outright rejection. While relatively uncommon, its use is most frequent in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific publications. When using "can be tabled", remember it connotes postponement, and alternatives like "can be postponed" or "can be deferred" might be suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be postponed

Replaces 'tabled' with a more direct synonym, focusing on delaying the action.

can be deferred

Similar to 'postponed' but implies a more formal or indefinite delay.

can be delayed

A general term for not doing something immediately.

can be put on hold

Uses a more informal expression to indicate a temporary suspension.

can be suspended

Indicates a temporary halting of something.

can be set aside

Suggests removing something from immediate consideration, potentially permanently.

can be shelved

Implies a longer-term or even permanent removal from consideration.

can be adjourned

Specifically refers to postponing a meeting or session.

can be held over

Similar to 'laid over', suggesting something is kept for later consideration.

can be laid over

A more archaic term for postponing or delaying.

FAQs

What does "can be tabled" mean?

The phrase "can be tabled" means that a proposal, motion, or topic is being postponed or set aside for consideration at a later time.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be tabled"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, such as meetings, parliamentary procedures, or when discussing official proposals. It suggests the item is being postponed, not rejected. For alternatives, you can consider "can be postponed" or "can be deferred".

What are some alternatives to "can be tabled"?

Alternatives include "can be postponed", "can be deferred", or "can be put on hold", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "can be tabled" the same as rejecting something?

No, "can be tabled" implies postponement, not rejection. If you mean to reject something, use words like "rejected", "dismissed", or "withdrawn".