end of the table

USAGE SUMMARY

'end of the table' is correct and is frequently used in written English.
It's typically used to refer to the last part of a table, such as in a meeting or gathering. For example: The discussion at the end of the table concerned recent changes to the company's policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opposite end of the table couldn't be more different.

The Guardian

Gaiman stood at one end of the table.

The New Yorker

He stood at one end of the table.

The New Yorker

At one end of the table sat our historian.

The New York Times - Science

"We were concerned about robots that would come meet us [at our end of the table].

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Production staff at the other end of the table grumble that they are ignored.

The Guardian

"I like Richard Curtis!" pipes up Wilson at the other end of the table.

The Guardian - Film

At the very end of the table Nugent was already rising.

The New Yorker

For Cardiff the stakes are every bit as high at the other end of the table.

The Guardian - Sport

At the far end of the table was a stenographer, monitoring a laptop computer.

The New York Times

Down at the less salubrious end of the table, Doncaster drew 0-0 with Burnley.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "end of the table" to describe a seating arrangement, consider the connotations of that position. It can imply distance, authority (at the head of the table), or a less central role.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "end of the table" always implies a negative or unimportant position. Context is crucial; sometimes it simply denotes a physical location without any inherent value judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end of the table" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as an adverbial of place or part of a prepositional phrase. It specifies a location relative to a table. According to Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "end of the table" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a specific location relative to a table. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is primarily to indicate position, and it appears across a variety of contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While the term itself is neutral, it's important to consider the positional significance it can imply, such as distance or authority, depending on whether it is the "head of the table" or another location. When you need to talk about location at a table, this phrase is an ideal tool to express the idea in an accessible manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

table's edge

Focuses on the physical boundary of the table.

edge of the table

Refers to the boundary or perimeter of the table.

far side of the table

Emphasizes the distance from a perceived starting point on the table.

head of the table

Implies a position of authority or importance at the table.

foot of the table

Indicates the opposite end from the head, often a less prominent position.

table extremity

Highlights the outermost point of the table.

outermost part of the table

Emphasizes the location furthest from the center.

terminal point of the table

Indicates the final or concluding location on the table.

farthest reach of the table

Focuses on the maximum extent of the table's surface.

at the table's limit

Highlights the boundary or maximum extension of the table.

FAQs

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

You can use "end of the table" to describe a location, such as "He sat at the "end of the table" during the meeting" or "The snacks were placed at the "end of the table" during the party".

What are some alternatives to "end of the table"?

Consider using alternatives like "table's edge", "far side of the table", or "head of the table" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to be described as being at the "end of the table"?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes imply being distant or less central, the significance depends on the context. The "head of the table" is also an "end", and it usually means to be the most important person.

What's the difference between "end of the table" and "ends of the table"?

"End of the table" refers to one specific extremity, whereas "ends of the table" indicates both extremities if the table has two. The phrase "ends of the table" is plural, suggesting there is more than one "end of the table".