ends of the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ends of the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the two opposite sides of a table, often in contexts involving seating arrangements or discussions. Example: "We decided to sit at opposite ends of the table to have a more private conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

A London derby with importance at both ends of the table.

Independent

She sat across from him, while Samson and Paulette sat at the long ends of the table.

The New Yorker

All that creates a system that will mean, as the game's promoters have described it, every minute mattering at both ends of the table.

The Guardian - Sport

Striking, is it not, that the two Premier League managers getting the most grief from their own fans are at opposite ends of the table?

The Guardian - Sport

2.30pm, BT Sport 2 Premier League Football: Hull City v Manchester City Sides from opposite ends of the table meet (kick-off 5.15pm).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We sat at opposite ends of the table, and didn't start talking until the end of the evening," Ms. Steinberg recalled.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Gaiman stood at one end of the table.

The New Yorker

He stood at one end of the table.

The New Yorker

Darryle Schoepp, the head of Merck's neuroscience division, was at the other end of the table.

The New Yorker

At the end of the table there is a bowl of leftover Halloween candy.

The New Yorker

"We're right in the mix at the wrong end of the table," Bell admitted.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing seating arrangements, be specific about which "ends of the table" are being referenced (e.g., "head" and "foot" for formal settings, or "opposite ends" for conflict).

Common error

Avoid using "ends of the table" without context. Ensure it's clear whether you're referring to physical locations, opposing viewpoints, or different standings (e.g., in a sports league).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ends of the table" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a prepositional object, describing locations or positions, both literally (physical placement) and figuratively (opposing viewpoints or standings). Ludwig confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ends of the table" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to describe both physical locations and metaphorical positions. As Ludwig highlights, it frequently appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. Grammatically, it's correct and serves to indicate either spatial arrangement or contrasting viewpoints. When using "ends of the table", ensure clarity by specifying whether you're referring to physical locations or abstract standings. Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and usability in various writing styles, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sides of the table

Replaces "ends" with "sides", focusing on the lateral aspects rather than the extremities.

extremities of the table

Substitutes "ends" with "extremities", emphasizing the furthest points of the table.

opposite sides of the table

Specifies "opposite sides" instead of just "ends", highlighting the opposing nature.

far reaches of the table

Uses "far reaches" to indicate the distant areas of the table, implying length.

table edges

Simplifies to "table edges", focusing on the border without specifying ends.

head and foot of the table

Replaces "ends" with "head and foot", often used in the context of dining.

terminal points of the table

Formal alternative using "terminal points" to denote the table's extremities.

table boundaries

General term referring to the limits of the table's surface.

outskirts of the table

A less common alternative, suggesting the outer limits or fringes.

table perimeters

Refers to the total length of the table's outer edge.

FAQs

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

You can use "ends of the table" to describe physical locations (e.g., "We placed the drinks at both ends of the table") or metaphorical positions (e.g., "The teams were at opposite ends of the table in terms of performance").

What's a good alternative to "ends of the table" when describing seating?

Alternatives include "sides of the table", "head and foot of the table" (for formal dining), or "opposite sides of the table".

Is it correct to say "end of the table" instead of "ends of the table"?

"End of the table" typically refers to one specific location. "Ends of the table" refers to both extremities. If you mean one specific side, then use "end". If you refer to both sides, then use "ends".

When is it appropriate to use "ends of the table" in a metaphorical sense?

You can use "ends of the table" metaphorically to describe opposing viewpoints, different standings (e.g., in a competition), or contrasting situations. For example, "The two companies were at opposite "ends of the table" in terms of market share".