on the dais

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the dais" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a raised platform where speakers or honored guests are seated during an event or ceremony. Example: "The mayor stood on the dais to deliver her speech to the crowd gathered below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The vice president normally sits on the dais behind the president on such occasions.

The New York Times

No one on the dais even needs to get their hands dirty.

Huffington Post

Former Harvard President Edward Everett was the main speaker on the dais that day.

Harvard University

Mr. Jackson was the only one of those critics to sit on the dais.

The New York Times

He hobbled to a black leather chair on the dais, teetering on his one remaining leg.

Los Angeles Times

SLIDE SHOW Republican contenders bicker on the dais, but their houses speak with one voice: tradition.

The New York Times

She is also comfortable on the dais.

The New York Times

Three former government officials sat alongside Miller on the dais.

The New Yorker

Ruiz was on the dais, but Jones was not.

The New York Times - Sports

Both Clemens and Mike Piazza were on the dais.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not what they did on the dais".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about an event, clarify who was "on the dais" to give readers a clear understanding of the hierarchy and key participants.

Common error

Avoid using "on the dais" when describing individuals simply standing at a podium or stage without a raised platform designed for seating. Ensure that the context involves a specific elevated area where dignitaries or speakers are seated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the dais" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating where someone is located, specifically denoting their presence on a raised platform. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the dais" is a prepositional phrase indicating a position of honor or authority at a formal event. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "at the head table" or "on the platform" exist, "on the dais" specifically denotes a raised platform for seating. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring the context involves a formal seating arrangement to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the head table

Indicates a place of honor, often at a formal event.

on the platform

Refers to a raised area, similar to a dais, but can also refer to a set of principles or beliefs.

at the podium

Specifies the location of the speaker.

on stage

Highlights visibility and performance.

in the limelight

Implies public attention and prominence.

in a position of authority

Focuses on the power and control associated with a role.

at the forefront

Emphasizes leadership and being at the leading edge.

in the public eye

Highlights visibility and public scrutiny.

taking center stage

Indicates assuming a prominent and visible role.

in the driver's seat

Figuratively describes being in control or leading a situation.

FAQs

How is "on the dais" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "on the dais" is used to describe the location of individuals seated on a raised platform, often at formal events. For example, "The mayor and council members were seated "on the dais" during the ceremony."

What does it mean when someone is described as being "on the dais"?

Being "on the dais" signifies a position of honor or authority, indicating that the person is part of an official group or panel at an event or meeting.

Are there alternative ways to say "on the dais"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at the head table", "on the platform", or "at the podium" if referring to the speaker's location.

Is it correct to use "on the dais" when someone is simply standing at a podium?

While "on the dais" specifically refers to a raised seating platform, it's more accurate to say someone is "at the podium" or "on stage" if they are speaking but not seated on an elevated platform.