lying on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

'lying on the table' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is in a horizontal position, resting on top of a table. For example: "The book was lying on the table, waiting for someone to pick it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He said Lebanon is weary of "lying on the table," like a card to be played by one side or the other, "as the price for peace".

The New York Times

She pointed to a nozzle lying on the table.

The New Yorker

"The book is lying on the table and that's it.

The New York Times

Would they think I'm perverted when I'm lying on the table and standing at attention?

Columbia University

The collector pointed to Bannister's wristwatch lying on the table and asked who made it.

The New Yorker

But Flamel observed that he was still lying on the table.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Oversized golden scissors lie on the table and from the wall behind, one huge picture dominates the space.

BBC

The catalogue lay on the table.

The New Yorker

The contract lay on the table in the kitchen.

The New Yorker

A Walking Festival brochure lay on the table.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Miele lay on the table, thinking about dying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lying on the table" to describe a situation metaphorically (e.g., "opportunities lying on the table"), ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of availability or neglect.

Common error

Avoid confusing "lie" (to recline) with "lay" (to place something). "Lying" is the present participle of "lie", so it describes something reclining. "Laying" is the present participle of "lay", meaning putting something down. The phrase is "lying on the table", not "laying on the table", unless you're describing the act of someone putting something on the table.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying on the table" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the location or state of something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its descriptive and metaphorical uses across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lying on the table" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to describe the physical location of an object or to convey a metaphorical state of availability or neglect. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency is "very common", appearing predominantly in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academic" contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the correct usage of "lie" versus "lay". Alternatives include phrases like "resting on the table" or simply "on the table", depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "lying on the table" is a reliable and readily understood expression applicable in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resting on the table

This alternative uses "resting" as a synonym for "lying", emphasizing a state of repose.

on the table

This alternative is a shorter version that omits the "lying" action, focusing solely on the location.

placed on the table

This alternative uses "placed" to describe the action of something being put on the table, rather than its current state.

situated on the table

This alternative uses "situated" to denote its location on the table, implying a more formal or static positioning.

atop the table

This alternative uses "atop" as a preposition, creating a slightly more elevated or emphasized placement.

present on the table

This alternative focuses on the presence of something on the table, rather than its physical state.

available on the table

This alternative implies that something is not only on the table but also accessible or ready for use.

waiting on the table

This alternative adds the element of anticipation, suggesting something is on the table awaiting action.

displayed on the table

This alternative specifies that something is arranged intentionally on the table for viewing.

left on the table

This alternative indicates that something was put on the table and not removed.

FAQs

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

You can use "lying on the table" to describe an object's position, like "The keys were lying on the table". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "Opportunities were "lying on the table", but no one seized them".

What's the difference between "lying on the table" and "laying on the table"?

"Lying on the table" describes something reclining or resting on the table itself. "Laying on the table" would describe the action of someone placing something onto the table. For example, "He is laying the book on the table."

Are there alternative phrases for "lying on the table"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "resting on the table", "placed on the table", or simply "on the table".

Is "lying on the table" formal or informal?

"Lying on the table" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation. Its appropriateness varies based on the context.