is off the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is off the table" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that something is no longer available or open for discussion. For example, "We were discussing the possibility of going on vacation, but after our budget was cut, that option is off the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is off the table.

The New York Times

Humiliation is off the table.

The New York Times - Food

Nothing is off the table.

The New York Times

Nato expansion is off the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

So that option is off the table.

The Guardian

So no deal is off the table?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Close to being off the table: criminal activity.

Huffington Post

"They're off the table.

The New York Times

"Nothing should be off the table".

Independent

So serious talks are off the table.

The Economist

Gunboats, Davis said, were off the table.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is off the table" to clearly communicate that a particular option or possibility is no longer available or being considered. This is especially effective in negotiations, project planning, and political discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "is off the table" if there's even a slight chance the option might be revisited. The phrase suggests a definitive and irreversible decision, so reserve it for situations where the matter is truly closed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is off the table" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that a particular subject or option is no longer available, feasible, or under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is off the table" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is no longer a viable option or is excluded from consideration. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional settings. Understanding the finality implied by this phrase is crucial to its appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not an option

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct statement of impossibility.

is out of the question

Emphasizes that something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

is not up for discussion

Highlights that a topic or proposal is no longer open to debate.

is no longer being considered

A more formal way of saying that something is not being taken into account.

has been ruled out

Indicates that something has been officially excluded as a possibility.

is not feasible

Focuses on the impracticality or impossibility of something being realized.

is off the agenda

Specifies that a topic has been removed from a list of things to be discussed or acted upon.

is a non-starter

Implies that something was never a viable option from the beginning.

is beyond consideration

Suggests something is so unacceptable that it should not even be thought about.

is not on the cards

Indicates something is unlikely or impossible to happen (primarily British English).

FAQs

How can I use "is off the table" in a sentence?

You can use "is off the table" to indicate that something is no longer a possibility or open for discussion. For example, "Due to budget constraints, a company-wide bonus "is off the table" this year."

What are some alternatives to saying "is off the table"?

Alternatives include "is not an option", "is out of the question", or "is no longer being considered", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "is off the table" in formal writing?

While "is off the table" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes be perceived as informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more direct and professional alternatives like "has been ruled out" or "is not feasible".

What's the difference between "is off the table" and "is on the table"?

"Is off the table" means something is no longer being considered, while "is on the table" means something is still under consideration or open for discussion. They are antonyms.