not off the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not off the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a particular option or idea is still being considered or is available for discussion. Example: "While we have several proposals to consider, the option to collaborate with the new partner is not off the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Quantitative easing is not off the table".

The New York Times

Bankruptcy is not off the table.

The New York Times

- tiering is not off the table.

The Guardian - Business

MR. SNOW: I'm sorry — is not off the table.

The New York Times

But yes, litigation is certainly not off the table".

The New York Times

"But other properties are not off the table".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That strategy shouldn't be taken off the table.

The New Yorker

Still, aides say, the idea of an increase hasn't been taken off the table.

The Washington Post

I wouldn't take it off the table.

Huffington Post

Self-plagiarism isn't off the table, either.

The Washington Post

He's open to studying any organism, so plants aren't off the table just yet.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not off the table" to convey that an idea or action is still being considered as a possible option. It's useful in negotiations, strategic planning, and discussions where premature dismissal should be avoided.

Common error

Avoid using "not off the table" when you want to communicate a firm decision. This phrase implies that the decision is still pending and subject to change, potentially undermining clarity and confidence if wrongly applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not off the table" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular plan, idea, or option remains a possibility and has not been definitively rejected. As Ludwig AI explains, this conveys a sense of continued consideration or openness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not off the table" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that an option or idea is still under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as in formal business settings, this phrase carries a neutral register and serves to communicate that a decision is pending, rather than final. While alternatives like "still a possibility" or "under consideration" exist, "not off the table" offers a distinct nuance implying active evaluation. Writers should be mindful of its meaning to avoid miscommunication, especially in situations requiring definitive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the table

This phrase indicates the option is being actively discussed or considered.

not ruled out

Emphasizes that an option hasn't been eliminated, without specifying if it's currently being thought about.

still a possibility

Focuses on the potential for something to happen, omitting the sense of active consideration.

a live option

Highlights that an option is active and viable, differing from merely not being rejected.

under consideration

Highlights the active evaluation of an option, lacking the implication that it could have been rejected.

being considered

Similar to 'under consideration', but slightly more passive in tone.

remains an option

Focuses on the persistence of a choice, lacking the nuance of ongoing assessment.

still on the cards

An idiomatic expression indicating possibility, implying chance or fate.

is still viable

Emphasizes the feasibility and workability of the option, differing slightly from its consideration.

open for discussion

Stresses the availability for debate and analysis, not necessarily indicating active deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "not off the table" in a sentence?

You can use "not off the table" to indicate that something is still being considered as an option. For example, "Although budget cuts are necessary, eliminating employee bonuses is "not off the table" at this time".

What does "not off the table" mean?

The phrase "not off the table" means that something is still being considered as an option or possibility. It suggests that a final decision has not been made and the idea remains open for further discussion or action.

Which is correct, "not off the table" or "off the table"?

"Not off the table" means something is still being considered, while "off the table" means it has been rejected or is no longer an option. They have opposite meanings.

What are some alternatives to saying "not off the table"?

You can use alternatives like "still a possibility", "under consideration", or "not ruled out" to convey a similar meaning.