covering the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covering the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action of placing something over the surface of a table, such as a cloth or a cover. Example: "She was busy covering the table with a beautiful tablecloth for the dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The cloth covering the table nearest the door was curiously flat.

The New Yorker

Lila Caimari of Valhalla pitched in with her daughter, Ana, 5, and son, Martin, 2, to create their own Weimaraner characters on an apparently endless roll of paper covering the table.

The New York Times

Either it has been omitted for reasons of good taste or (far more likely) we've lost it amid the wreckage of paper and plastic that is already covering the table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Saudi men have little experience breaking bread with women and when the banquet began, they helped themselves to the platters of traditional food covering the table, making no effort to invite the women to join in.

The New York Times

The last time I saw him was at the London Olympics - he was covering the table tennis.

BBC

The astral globe, the frieze column with Cupid, and the Persian carpet covering the table indicate the worldliness of a successful merchant with a reach into exotic, faraway markets.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

My neighbors in the nicer complexes that surround me might be the type who believe it's a sign of a good mom to have a cluttered, messy house with craft projects covering the tables, fingerprints on the windows and walls, and laundry in piles.

The Washington Post

"We will be re-covering the table ahead of the semi-finals.

BBC

"I heard they are re-covering the tables - the tables need done.

BBC

"We're planning on covering the whole table with these words," Oka said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bottles of perfume laid out neatly on a linen doily covering the bedside table.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "covering the table", consider the specific object or material used for covering, to provide more detail and context. For example, "covering the table with a linen cloth" offers a clearer image.

Common error

Avoid using "covering the table" when you actually mean placing specific items on the table without necessarily covering its surface. For example, instead of "covering the table with food", say "placing food on the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covering the table" primarily functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund or present participle. Ludwig shows its use in describing an action directly related to a table.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covering the table" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase across various contexts to describe the act of placing something over a table. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context to ensure accuracy, especially when describing general placement versus complete surface coverage. Alternative phrases like "draping the table" or "spreading across the table" can offer more descriptive options depending on the intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draping the table

This suggests a more deliberate and decorative action of placing something over the table.

spreading across the table

This focuses on the manner in which something extends over the table's surface.

overlaying the table

This emphasizes the layering aspect of placing one thing on top of the table.

placing over the table

This is a more general way of describing putting something on the table.

dressing the table

Emphasizes the decorative element of setting the table.

protecting the table

This highlights the reason for covering the table, which is to shield it.

preparing the table

Broadens the action to encompass all aspects of getting the table ready.

blanketing the table

Similar action of hiding something using a blanket.

laying out on the table

This is more specific, implying arranging items, not necessarily covering the entire surface.

setting up the table

This focuses on the overall arrangement and preparation.

FAQs

How can I use "covering the table" in a sentence?

You can use "covering the table" to describe the act of placing something over the entirety of a table's surface, like "She was busy "covering the table" with a beautiful tablecloth for the dinner party".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "covering the table"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "draping the table" or "spreading across the table" can provide a more vivid image. For instance, "draping the table" suggests a more decorative action.

Is it correct to say 'covering on the table' instead of "covering the table"?

No, the correct phrase is ""covering the table"". The preposition 'on' is not needed and makes the phrase grammatically incorrect.

When is it inappropriate to use "covering the table"?

It's not suitable when you mean to describe placing specific items on the table without covering the entire surface. Use phrases like "placing items on the table" instead.