hold a table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold a table" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to reserving a table at a restaurant or event, but the expression is not commonly used in this context. Example: "I would like to hold a table for four at the restaurant for 7 PM."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

No reservations are taken, but diners are encouraged to call an hour ahead to hold a table.

The New York Times

It's a classic railroad flat, sunny and clean, with the rooms laid out in a line, linoleum flooring and a kitchen large enough to hold a table and two chairs.

The New York Times

IF YOU GO Open Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday to Thursday, 11 30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant will try to hold a table for customers who call when they leave home.

The New York Times

After the resource reservation process has been performed, each node will hold a table with all reservations made.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Their goal: to hold a table-tennis tournament against the walls of the Bank of America building.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a soul noticed, not even when a reporter held a table lamp into the candidate's face so he could be photographed in better light.

The New York Times

To allow such backward transmissions, each node holds a table that maps input requests to output sub-requests (1 n).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

One room held a table covered in yarn, crayons and construction paper, where children could fashion art projects.

Huffington Post

GAITHERSBURG — It started 7,000 miles away, in China — that was the first time Crystal Wang held a table tennis racket.

Los Angeles Times

The team is holding a table reading next week, so only time will tell if this strange homage will take shape as an actual production.

Huffington Post

You may wait half of eternity to join God in his splendor, but he's holding a table for you, and one day he'll honor your reservation.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to reserving a place at a restaurant, use the phrases "reserve a table" or "book a table". These are the most common and easily understood alternatives to "hold a table".

Common error

While "hold" can mean 'to keep or retain', using it directly with "a table" to mean 'reserve' is unusual and may cause confusion. Instead, use the standard phrases: "reserve a table" or "book a table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a table" primarily functions as a verb phrase, attempting to convey the action of reserving or keeping a table available. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The intended meaning is to reserve something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12.5%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "hold a table" attempts to convey the idea of reserving a table, it is not considered grammatically correct or commonly used in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that it's better to use alternatives such as "reserve a table" or "book a table". Although examples can be found in news and media, its usage is infrequent and may lead to confusion. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid "hold a table" in formal or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserve a table

This is the standard and most common way to express booking a table in advance.

book a table

Similar to 'reserve a table', this implies making a booking for a table.

secure a table

Implies ensuring that a table is available, often in a competitive situation.

get a table

A general way of saying to obtain a table, often at the moment of arrival.

keep a table available

To maintain the availability of a table for someone.

save a table

Informal way of saying to reserve a table for someone who is coming later.

grab a table

Implies quickly and opportunistically finding a table.

claim a table

Suggests asserting one's right to a table, potentially in a crowded setting.

arrange for a table

Suggests making arrangements to have a table prepared or set aside.

have a table

Suggests that you already possess or are in control of the table.

FAQs

What does "hold a table" mean?

The phrase "hold a table" is generally understood to mean reserving or keeping a table available, especially at a restaurant. However, it's not the most common or grammatically correct way to express this.

What can I say instead of "hold a table"?

You can use alternatives like "reserve a table" or "book a table". These are more common and grammatically sound.

Which is correct, "hold a table" or "reserve a table"?

"Reserve a table" is the correct and more widely accepted phrase. "Hold a table" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

Is "hold a table" ever correct?

While less common, "hold a table" can be correct in contexts where you are physically keeping a table steady or preventing it from moving. However, for reservations, "reserve a table" is always preferable.