desk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "desk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a piece of furniture that provides a surface for writing or working. For example, "I keep my laptop on my desk when I am working from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laying the pus-covered pad on the desk in front of him, he gave up his secret.

The Guardian

"I brought some muffins!" the VP said as he arrived at the security desk, placing the muffins down.

The Guardian

A: Please send requests for listings to [email protected] Q: I would like to submit photographs to your picture desk.

The Guardian

Students at City University in London are now banned from wearing any kind of wristwatch in exams, those at Southampton must place all watches in a clear plastic bag on the desk, while at Goldsmiths watches have to be stored under desks.

The Guardian

Related: 'I start to feel it in my knees' – working for hours while standing proves a tall order The conspiracy theorists among you are probably thinking this is just a thinly disguised attempt by the standing desk lobby.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Office employees should be on feet for four hours of working day, study says If you are reading this at your desk at work – perhaps on the sly while your boss has a loud conversation, or on the downlow while you avoid making an important phone call because for whatever reason you have to psych yourself up to make a phone call – stand up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tobin, who set up the organisation in 1999 in a toilet – removing the sink to make way for a desk – said the donations will help them to treat the 300 people they see annually.

The Guardian

Ms Platell, who took her share of the blame for Mr Hague's defeat, cleared her desk at Tory HQ in Westminster on Wednesday and left for good - earlier than expected, as she had previously said she would go when Mr Hague hands over to his successor.

The Guardian

The Environment Department said the substance of threats to the Tasmanian devil was covered in its briefings to Burke, even if the official conservation advice did not pass his desk.

The Guardian

· To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone [phone] · If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

The Guardian

The co-heads of the US-based bond trading desk, plus two-thirds of their management team, threatened to quit to join a rival or rivals in the middle of last year, he reported.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "desk" – it often implies a formal or professional environment. Choose alternative terms like "table" for more casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "desk" interchangeably with "podium" or "lectern". A "desk" is typically for writing or computer work, while a podium or lectern is a stand for public speaking.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "desk" is as a noun, referring to a piece of furniture. It can also function as a verb, though this usage is rare. Ludwig AI confirms its typical use as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "desk" is a common noun that refers to a piece of furniture used for writing or working. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While primarily used as a noun, it can less commonly function as a verb. When using "desk", consider specifying the type (e.g., standing "desk", reception "desk") for clarity and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "podium". Alternatives such as "writing table" or "workstation" can be used for variety or to emphasize specific aspects of its function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

writing table

Replaces "desk" with a more descriptive term emphasizing its primary function.

workstation

Suggests a more comprehensive setup for work, including computer and accessories.

office table

Specifies the location and type of table, implying a professional setting.

study table

Highlights the use of the table for academic or learning purposes.

reception desk

Indicates a specific type of desk used in a reception area.

counter

Focuses on a surface used for transactions or interactions, similar to a reception desk.

lectern

Implies a stand for reading or speaking, often used in presentations.

bureau

Suggests a writing desk with drawers, often more ornate.

console table

Refers to a table often placed against a wall, sometimes used as a desk.

workspace

Broadens the context to the entire area where work is performed, not just the desk itself.

FAQs

How to use "desk" in a sentence?

You can use "desk" in sentences like, "I keep my laptop on my desk," or "The receptionist sits at the front desk."

What can I say instead of "desk"?

You can use alternatives like "writing table", "workstation", or "office table" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "desk" or "desque"?

"Desk" is the correct spelling. "Desque" is not a recognized word in standard English.

What's the difference between "desk" and "table"?

A "desk" is typically designed for focused work, often with features like drawers. A "table" is a more general term for a flat surface used for various purposes.