edge of the table

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the physical edge of a table - either the top or side - for example, "I caught my hand on the edge of the table and cut my finger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She sat on the edge of the table.

The New York Times

Effie squared his fork with the edge of the table.

The New Yorker

The edge of the table is the horizon.

The Guardian - Arts

The newspaper was on the edge of the table.

The New Yorker

He stood 10 feet behind the edge of the table zipping returns low across the net.

The New York Times - Sports

He shakes his head, and grips the edge of the table.

The Guardian

And the edge of the table is" — he paused to measure it roughly — "six units away.

The New Yorker

They speak of hitting a "touch-ball" -- one that just grazes the edge of the table.

The New York Times

Alternate triangles of mother of pearl and tortoiseshell are inlaid around the edge of the table.

Yale University

The edge of the table has faint marks of scribed purfling.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Seated, he hoists a size 10-and-a-half Nike onto the edge. of the table.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the location of an object, be specific about which "edge of the table" you are referring to (e.g., the near edge, the left edge).

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions like "near the table"; specify the "edge of the table" to provide a clearer understanding of the object's position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of the table" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial or prepositional complement to specify a location or point of reference. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing it correctly applied across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "edge of the table" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify a location relative to a table. As shown by Ludwig, its function is primarily to provide spatial orientation in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. The phrase is used in a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "table's perimeter" or "brink of the table" exist, "edge of the table" remains the most straightforward and widely understood way to describe this specific location. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

table's perimeter

Focuses on the boundary or outer limit of the table.

table's rim

Highlights the border or margin of the table, often implying a raised edge.

table's border

Similar to 'table's rim', but can also refer to a decorative edge.

brink of the table

Emphasizes the precariousness of something being close to falling off.

margin of the table

Indicates the area immediately around the table's edge.

outer boundary of the table

A more formal and descriptive way of indicating the table's limit.

extremity of the table

A more formal way to refer to the table's outer point.

side of the table

A general term referring to any of the table's edges.

fringe of the table

Implies a decorative or less structurally important edge.

limit of the table

Focuses on the point beyond which something cannot extend on the table.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of the table" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of the table" to describe the position of an object or a person's action, such as "The cat sat on the "edge of the table"" or "He gripped the "edge of the table" nervously".

What are some alternatives to using "edge of the table"?

Alternatives include "table's rim", "table's perimeter", or "brink of the table", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at the edge of the table" or "on the edge of the table"?

Both "at the "edge of the table"" and "on the "edge of the table"" are grammatically correct, but "on" is generally preferred when referring to a surface. "At" might be used to indicate proximity.

What's the difference between "edge of the table" and "corner of the table"?

The ""edge of the table"" refers to any of the long sides of the table, while "corner of the table" specifically refers to the point where two edges meet.