kept on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to express that something has been left in a particular place. For example: "She kept the book on the table so that she could find it again later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But the former prime ministers have an absolute right to argue that the option should be kept on the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Various options will need to be kept on the table and we just have to see how things go".

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, there is something between indictments and cruise missiles -- a middle ground of covert action and clandestine operations -- and these options should be kept on the table.

The New York Times

As for Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, he tweaked the mantra this way: "The military option must be kept on the table".

The New York Times

The shadow Brexit secretary, Keir Starmer, has said permanent membership of a customs union with the EU27 could be a "viable" longterm option and should be kept on the table.

The Guardian

But in the process he revealed a new and potentially contentious one, saying that a proposal to raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare, a move his party denounces, should be "kept on the table" for further discussion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

My job as CEO is to keep all the optionality on the table about what we do, but one optionality I wouldn't keep on the table is — we're going to be in the content business.

TechCrunch

But when discussing classic holiday foods with colleagues, I noticed that most of our families have at the very least one super shady dish, that we seem to only keep on the table for the sake of tradition.

Vice

So let us see, while we keep the conversation going, what we are able to keep on the table.

The New York Times

The worries over global growth threatened to overwhelm other global economic issues that Mexico, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of 20 this year, had hoped to keep on the table, like volatile international food prices.

The New York Times

"My concern was that this would go beyond the issues of harmony and unity that we want to keep on the table and into issues that again divide us," said Webb, a Vietnam veteran whose ancestors fought for the Confederacy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept on the table" when you want to convey that an option or proposal is still being considered and hasn't been rejected. It's useful in negotiations, strategic planning, and discussions where you want to maintain flexibility.

Common error

Avoid using "kept on the table" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using "maintained as an option", "left as a possibility", or similar alternatives to prevent redundancy and keep the writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept on the table" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the status of a plan, idea, or option that is still being considered and has not been discarded. It conveys that the matter remains open for discussion and potential action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept on the table" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that an option or idea is still being considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in contexts such as news and media and science. While it is suitable for various scenarios, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "maintained as an option" or "remained under consideration" for stylistic variation. The phrase is appropriate for formal writing and conveys a sense of flexibility and ongoing deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not ruled out

Indicates that something has not been dismissed as a possibility.

maintained as an option

Focuses on the act of actively maintaining something as a possibility.

left as a possibility

Emphasizes the state of something being a potential option.

remained under consideration

Highlights that something is still being thought about.

under active consideration

Implies a more immediate and deliberate assessment of an option.

held in reserve

Implies keeping something available for future use or decision.

tabled for future discussion

Suggests postponing a decision but not dismissing it.

kept in contention

Focuses on something remaining a viable choice among others.

preserved as a choice

Highlights the act of actively preserving an option.

available for consideration

Emphasizes the availability of something for potential use.

FAQs

How can I use "kept on the table" in a sentence?

You can use "kept on the table" to indicate that an option is still being considered. For example, "The possibility of a merger was "not ruled out" and "remained under consideration".".

What does "kept on the table" mean?

"Kept on the table" means that an idea, suggestion, or option is still being considered and has not been rejected or dismissed.

What are some alternatives to "kept on the table"?

Alternatives include "maintained as an option", "left as a possibility", or "remained under consideration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "kept on the table" in formal writing?

Yes, "kept on the table" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, political, and strategic contexts. It clearly communicates that an option is still being considered.