occupy a table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occupy a table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when someone or a group of people take a table at a restaurant or cafe. For example, "My friends and I decided to occupy a table at the new cafe in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Paul Newman might occupy a table.

The New York Times

Cafes and restaurants have become increasingly concerned about table campers, people who don't spend enough to offset the time they occupy a table.

The New York Times

In New Jersey, he prefers Starbucks because its counter service allows him to occupy a table as long as he wants, without the obsequious interruptions of a black-clad waitperson.

The New York Times

We occupy a table together, with Claire and Clint on one side, and us on the other.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Their Apple desktop, which is connected to the Internet by a cable modem, occupies a table in an area that might otherwise serve as a breakfast nook.

The New York Times - Tech

A group of people in their 20's, badly dressed and badly groomed, occupied a table nearby, and at one point, if our ears did not fail us, they shouted at one another to do shots.

The New York Times - Food

Ronald L. Frasch, the president of Bergdorf Goodman, occupied a table with Robert Burke, Bergdorf's fashion director, and a man from Alba who owns some of Italy's largest textile mills.

The New York Times

To our chagrin, the cruise line hadn't been informed that we were a family of 12 wishing to occupy a single table.

The New York Times - Travel

After several well received readings, the poets went to a café in the marketplace, where each occupied a separate table to sign books and chat to their readers.

The Guardian - Books

"I like to get old stuff working again," Mr. Arcangel said with a nod toward the ungainly machine, which occupied a long table by a dusty boom box and a basket filled with smashed soda cans.

The New York Times - Arts

Following the Stella win, however, she notes that her bookshelf activism is no longer necessary, as the work now occupies a new table, "Prizewinners, alongside Eleanor's The Luminaries".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene in a restaurant or cafe, use "occupy a table" to indicate that people are seated and using the table. For example, "The students were happily chatting while they occupied a table near the window".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "occupy a table" can sound overly formal in very casual settings. In those instances, simpler alternatives such as "sit at a table" or "grab a table" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occupy a table" functions as a verb phrase, where "occupy" is the verb and "a table" is the object. This verb phrase describes the action of taking up space or utilizing a table in a specific location. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in describing physical presence and use of a table.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Food

2%

Arts

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occupy a table" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that means to take a table and utilize it, often in a public setting like a restaurant or cafe. It functions as a verb phrase and has a neutral register. While it's appropriate for most situations, simpler alternatives may be more suitable in extremely casual contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is perfectly usable in written English, though examples show it’s less common than other similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a seat at a table

Focuses on the action of sitting down at a table.

grab a table

Suggests quickly and opportunistically securing a table.

sit at a table

Emphasizes the state of being seated at a table.

secure a table

Stresses the effort involved to be able to use a table.

claim a table

Suggests asserting ownership or right to use a table.

reserve a table

Implies prior arrangement and booking of a table.

settle at a table

Focuses on getting comfortable and situated at a table.

use a table

Broadly refers to the act of utilizing a table for any purpose.

frequent a table

Implies regularly using a specific table.

filla table

Indicates that a table has no remaining open seats.

FAQs

How can I use "occupy a table" in a sentence?

You can use "occupy a table" to describe the act of sitting and using a table in a public space like a restaurant or cafe. For example, "They decided to "take a seat at a table" near the window to enjoy the view".

What's a less formal way to say "occupy a table"?

In informal contexts, you can use phrases like "sit at a table" or "grab a table" which convey the same meaning in a more casual tone.

Is it correct to say "occupies a table"?

Yes, "occupies a table" is the correct third-person singular form. For example, "The group occupies a table in the corner".

What does "occupy a table" imply?

The phrase "occupy a table" generally implies that someone is not just present at the table but is also using it, often in a social or functional way, such as dining or working.