closer to the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"closer to the table" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or position relative to a table. Here are a few examples: 1. "I moved my chair closer to the table so I could hear the conversation better." 2. "The vase on the shelf is closer to the table than the vase on the windowsill." 3. "Please sit closer to the table so you can reach your food." 4. "The painting is hung slightly closer to the table on the right side." 5. "The cat jumped onto the chair closest to the table and snatched a fish off the plate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Moving closer to the table.

The New Yorker

Michael Jordan!" A few minutes before, McCain had tried to move closer to the table and another player refused to make room.

The New Yorker

Stiller bent closer and closer to the table, fretful about his errors, expressing pained admiration for my windmilling forehand and then smiling at my attempted nonchalance about it.

The New Yorker

He leaned closer to the table and listened intently as a reporter told Ledee stories and anecdotes about what happened when the Yankees won the title in 1996.

The New York Times - Sports

When there is a wardrobe malfunction in front, a woman can place a napkin high in her lap or scoot closer to the table.

The New York Times

When a question was asked in Tagalog, the principal language of the Philippines, Mr. al-Ghozi, who is Indonesian, turned to his lawyer, but the prosecutor snapped, "You understand Tagalog," ordering him not to talk to the lawyer and to move his chair closer to the table where the investigators were sitting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

For example, the arms are short enough that they don't get in the way when you want to pull up close to the table or desk.

The New York Times - Tech

The Keekaroo Peanut helps make the changing table a bit more comfy, but also gives you a buckling strap and raised edges to help keep your lil' acrobat from tumbling off (you still need to stay close to the table, of course).

TechCrunch

Then he sat down in a cavernous room in the White House complex and pulled his chair close to the table, hiding the bulges.

Los Angeles Times

"They use the flowers as means to get close to the table, then, with their hand under the flowers, swipe the table of any valuables," one female officer tells me.

Vice

The granola (handmade of course) is so good that starlings, hornbills and, of course, the Vervets, wait anxiously, as close to the table as they dare, for crumbs, presents and unmanned cereal bowls.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closer to the table" when describing a change in position that reduces the distance to the table. For example, "He moved closer to the table to get a better look."

Common error

Avoid using "close to the table" when you mean to indicate a movement or a comparative reduction in distance. "Close" describes a state of being near, while "closer" describes the act of becoming nearer. Always use "closer" to show a change or comparison in proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closer to the table" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb and indicating direction or movement toward a specific location. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a location or position relative to a table.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closer to the table" is a prepositional phrase that accurately describes a decrease in distance to a table. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Its prevalence in news media, science, and wiki sources indicates its versatile applicability. Remembering to use "closer" when implying movement and avoiding confusion with the static "close" will ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearer the table

Emphasizes the comparative proximity to the table.

in proximity to the table

Replaces "closer" with a more formal and descriptive term.

adjacent to the table

Implies direct contact or immediate nearness.

in the vicinity of the table

Suggests being in the general area surrounding the table.

approaching the table

Focuses on the action of moving closer.

drawing nearer to the table

A more descriptive way of saying "approaching the table".

moving toward the table

Emphasizes movement in the direction of the table.

alongside the table

Specifies a position side-by-side with the table.

within reach of the table

Highlights the ability to touch or access something on the table.

within arm's reach of the table

Specifically indicates being close enough to touch the table.

FAQs

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

Use "closer to the table" to indicate a movement or state of being nearer to a table. For example, "She pulled her chair "closer to the table" to join the game".

What's a synonym for "closer to the table"?

Synonyms include phrases like "nearer the table", "adjacent to the table", or "in proximity to the table", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "close to the table" instead of "closer to the table"?

"Close to the table" describes a state of being near, while "closer to the table" implies movement or a comparative nearness. If indicating movement, ""closer to the table"" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "near to the table" and "closer to the table"?

"Near to the table" indicates proximity, whereas ""closer to the table"" signifies a reduction in distance relative to a previous position or another object.