on tabletops

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on tabletops" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is physically located or placed on the surface of a tabletop. Example: "The books were scattered on tabletops throughout the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The image from the first sentence of "Syria's elite [who] dine and dance till dawn on tabletops to the thump of patriotic songs" is a provocative one, feeding the perception of a carelessly out-of-touch ruling class embodied by the president and his wife.

The Guardian

On tabletops".

The New Yorker

But never again on tabletops.

The New York Times

Some on chairs, others on tabletops.

The New Yorker

Most compelling are groups of diminutive sculptures on tabletops.

The New York Times - Arts

They scratched chalk messages to each other on tabletops.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Tourer has seating for five, and a vertical metal track integrated in the back of the front seats can accommodate clip-on tabletops and tablet computers.

The New York Times

It also said, "To not experience the shock, place book on tabletop while opening".

The New York Times

From the start, she focused on tabletop accessories, displaying them on long, low tables that invite shoppers to mix and match.

The New York Times

David Segal's fascinating report in the Times on "tabletop" directors — those who specialize in closeup beauty shots of food for TV commercials — brought back a flood of memories.

The New Yorker

As well, Lewis says, Taleyarkhan remains committed to continuing his research on tabletop fusion.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on tabletops" to vividly depict scenes of celebration, display, or informal activity. This phrase helps create a specific image in the reader's mind.

Common error

Avoid using "on tabletops" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral phrase like "on tables" or "on surfaces" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on tabletops" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate location. Ludwig examples show it describing where actions occur, such as "dancing on tabletops" or where objects are placed, such as "sculptures on tabletops".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on tabletops" functions as a prepositional phrase, specifying the location of actions or objects, often adding a vivid, sometimes informal, touch. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news, arts, and travel contexts, describing scenes ranging from celebratory dancing to artistic displays. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing where more neutral alternatives might be preferable. With a source quality score of 91 and an expert rating of 4.6, the phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atop tables

Uses a more formal preposition to indicate the same location.

atop the tables

Uses a definite article, suggesting specific tables.

upon tables

A more archaic and formal equivalent of "on tables".

on the surface of tables

A more descriptive and literal alternative.

on the table surface

Specifies the location more explicitly.

on the table

Simpler, but loses the emphasis on multiple tabletops.

across tabletops

Suggests movement or distribution across the surface.

covering tabletops

Focuses on the act of covering the table surface.

over tabletops

Can imply being above or covering the surface.

table-based

Describes activities or objects related to tables.

FAQs

How can I use "on tabletops" in a sentence?

The phrase "on tabletops" typically describes the location of objects or activities. For example: "They danced "on tabletops", celebrating their victory."

What are some alternatives to using "on tabletops"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "atop tables", "upon tables", or "on the table surface".

Is "on tabletops" formal or informal?

"On tabletops" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In more formal contexts, "upon tables" might be more suitable.

When is it appropriate to use "on tabletops"?

It's suitable when describing scenes involving objects placed "on the table" or activities occurring on the surface, particularly in descriptive or narrative writing.