offer on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "offer on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a proposal or when discussing a negotiation. For example, "After much negotiation, the employer finally put an offer on the table that both sides could agree on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It immediately put a new offer on the table, this one $12 per share.

Forbes

But Jarvis said there was no offer on the table.

The New York Times - Sports

"There was no offer on the table," Mr. Garber said.

The New York Times

But theirs is not the only offer on the table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said the Americans placed an offer on the table.

The New York Times

"We have an offer on the table," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Leader debates hosted by the UK's main broadcasters are not the only offer on the table.

The Guardian

Formally, of course, there is no offer on the table for Hewlett.

The New York Times

The studios responded by saying the offer on the table was not negotiable.

The New York Times

Sather said he did not have a job offer on the table.

The New York Times - Sports

"We put a tremendous offer on the table," Davis said without naming any figures.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context makes it clear who is making the offer and who is considering it. For instance, "The company put an offer on the table for a new contract."

Common error

Avoid using "offer on the table" when simply stating a fact without any implication of negotiation or discussion. Instead of saying, "There's an offer on the table for this house", say "There's an offer for this house".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer on the table" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the object of a verb (e.g., 'put', 'have', 'reject'). It typically refers to a formal proposal or deal available for consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "offer on the table" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a formal proposal or deal that is currently available for consideration. Ludwig AI validates its wide usage in news, business, and general contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a formal proposal intended for discussion or negotiation. Consider alternatives like "proposal under consideration" or "deal being discussed" depending on the nuances you wish to convey. Avoid using the phrase in contexts where there's no implication of negotiation or discussion. The phrase's versatility and frequent appearance in authoritative sources make it a valuable addition to both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bid on the table

Synonymous, using "bid" instead of "offer".

proposal under consideration

Focuses on the aspect of the offer being actively thought about.

deal being discussed

Highlights the negotiation aspect of the offer.

a live proposal

Emphasizes that the offer is still active and valid.

a current proposal

Highlights the timeliness of the offer.

proposition available

Emphasizes the availability of the offer.

a standing offer

Implies the offer remains valid for a certain period.

terms presented

Refers to the specific conditions of the offer.

an option available

Focuses on the availability and choice aspect.

something up for consideration

Highlights the aspect of consideration of an unspecified proposal.

FAQs

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

You can use "offer on the table" to indicate that there is a proposal or deal currently being considered. For example, "The union rejected the "offer on the table"" or "We have an "offer on the table" from another company".

What does "offer on the table" mean?

"Offer on the table" is an idiom that means a proposal or deal is currently available for discussion or consideration. It implies that the offer is formally presented and ready to be accepted, rejected, or negotiated.

What can I say instead of "offer on the table"?

You can use alternatives like "proposal under consideration", "deal being discussed", or "proposition available" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "offer on the table" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI and the examples provided show it's used in news articles, business reports, and other professional contexts, making it a versatile phrase.