had been tabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been tabled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about proposals or motions that have been formally presented for consideration or discussion. Example: "The proposal for the new policy had been tabled during the last meeting, and members were encouraged to review it before the next session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The official denied that a fee had been tabled.

The Guardian

The Guardian understands that a proposal for 50 years of protection had been tabled but Russia wouldn't agree.

The Guardian

When Watson heard that a no-confidence motion had been tabled, "I didn't pay it much heed.

The Guardian

Speaking to councillors on Tuesday afternoon, Oke said now the report had been tabled, she wanted organisations including local government to "bring their heads out of the sand".

The Guardian

Jowell, who has claimed the Olympics building programme is having an effect in stimulating the economy, said a deal with Lend Lease had been tabled but was rejected.

The Guardian

In mid-July 1979, Desai resigned rather than face a no-confidence motion that had been tabled in the Lok Sabha and would easily have passed.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Three amendments have been tabled.

The Guardian

Questions have been tabled in the house.

The Guardian - Business

Similar proposals have been tabled in the past.

The Guardian

Around 7,850 amendments have been tabled in the senate alone.

The Economist

No offer has been tabled, but potential bidders are said to be reviewing their options.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been tabled" when you want to indicate that a proposal, motion, or discussion point was formally presented but may have been postponed or is awaiting further consideration. It suggests a degree of formality and official procedure.

Common error

Avoid using "had been tabled" in contexts where an item was simply delayed or postponed informally. This phrase implies a formal process of presentation and potential future consideration, not just a casual delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been tabled" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a proposal, motion, or item has undergone the action of being formally presented and then set aside for later consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been tabled" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the formal presentation and subsequent postponement of a proposal, motion, or item for discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, business, and academic contexts, its use suggests a formal, procedural environment. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with a situation where a formal process has occurred, and avoid confusing it with informal delays. Consider alternatives like "was proposed" or "was submitted" to adjust the nuance. Overall, "had been tabled" is a valuable phrase for clearly communicating the status of items within structured discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was formally presented

Highlights the formal nature of the presentation.

was proposed

Stresses the act of suggesting a plan or idea for consideration.

was presented

Highlights the act of introducing something, without specifying its further handling.

was introduced

Focuses on the initial presentation of a topic or proposal.

was submitted

Emphasizes the action of formally delivering a proposal or document.

was put forward

Focuses on the act of presenting an idea, rather than its formal placement on a table or agenda.

was offered

Highlights the act of making a suggestion or proposal available.

was brought up

Indicates that a topic was raised or mentioned, often less formally.

was on the agenda

Specifies that something is formally listed for discussion at a meeting.

was under consideration

Emphasizes that something is currently being thought about or discussed.

FAQs

How to use "had been tabled" in a sentence?

You can use "had been tabled" to indicate that a proposal or motion was formally presented but its discussion or decision has been delayed. For example: "The proposal for the new policy "had been tabled" at the last meeting due to time constraints".

What does "had been tabled" mean?

"Had been tabled" means that a proposal, motion, or item of discussion was formally presented but then set aside, usually temporarily, for later consideration. It often implies a structured meeting or formal setting.

Which is correct, "had been tabled" or "was tabled"?

Both "had been tabled" and "was tabled" can be correct, depending on the context. "Was tabled" typically refers to a single action of tabling, whereas "had been tabled" indicates that the action occurred at some point in the past and is relevant to the present situation. For example: "The motion "was tabled" at the meeting," versus "The motion "had been tabled", so we need to revisit it".

What can I say instead of "had been tabled"?

You can use alternatives like "was proposed", "was submitted", or "was put forward" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.