on their table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on their table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is physically located on a table belonging to a group of people or individuals. Example: "The documents were left on their table for everyone to review during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We all need to work together to demand that both employers and policymakers raise standards to create good, family-sustaining jobs -- the kind of jobs that allow our friends and neighbors to put food on their table, care for their loved ones, and not have to sacrifice basic necessities like medication or rent.

Huffington Post

Some people have agenda on their table.

The Guardian - Sport

Some people have an agenda on their table".

The Guardian - Sport

"And the recordings don't put food on their table, it doesn't get them a gig".

The New York Times

"They take my bread home and put it on their table," Mr. Madonia said.

The New York Times

They came here to put food on their table, and they died.

The New York Times

She could not reach those desperate to put food back on their table.

The Guardian - Opinion

No way – unless, of course, there is more money put on their table.

The Guardian - Sport

"City people just don't know what it takes to get food on their table".

The New York Times

"A lot of people don't have much food on their table," he muses.

Independent

Suddenly a spotlight was on their table, or near it, because the pretty man was next to them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on their table" when you want to convey that something is literally placed on a table that belongs to a group, or figuratively present for their consideration or consumption. For instance, "They put the proposal "on their table" for review" or "They put food "on their table"."

Common error

Avoid using "on their table" when you mean something is simply available or accessible without a specific connotation of placement or consideration. For example, instead of saying "The information is "on their table", " say "The information is available to them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on their table" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate location or state. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, where it specifies the placement of objects or the state of affairs relevant to a group. For example, "They came here to put food "on their table", and they died".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "on their table" is a common and versatile expression used primarily to indicate literal placement or figurative consideration. As validated by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and media sources with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys either the physical presence of something on a table or the idea that something is under consideration by a group. Common related phrases include "at their disposal" and "under their consideration", each offering a slightly different nuance. Avoid misusing the phrase when a more general term like "available" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before them

Positions something in front of them, offering a more general sense of presence.

at their disposal

Emphasizes availability and control, shifting the focus from a physical location to a resource.

on their agenda

Signifies something is planned or scheduled, a metaphorical shift from a physical table.

under their consideration

Highlights that something is being thought about or evaluated by them, moving away from the literal table.

awaiting their decision

Highlights that something is pending a decision from them, moving away from the literal table.

at their fingertips

Highlights ease of access and control, replacing the table with a more immediate proximity.

within their reach

Indicates accessibility or attainability, changing the spatial metaphor.

in their court

Implies responsibility or the next move belongs to them, diverging from the literal meaning.

in their possession

Focuses on ownership rather than placement, differing in semantic weight.

within their purview

Indicates something falls under their responsibility or authority, changing the context significantly.

FAQs

How can I use "on their table" in a sentence?

You can use "on their table" to describe something physically present on a table, like "They placed the documents "on their table". It can also mean something is available for consideration, as in "The proposal is now "on their table" for discussion".

What does it mean to put food "on their table"?

Putting food "on their table" usually implies providing sustenance or ensuring they have enough to eat. For example, "His job helps him put food "on their table" for his family".

What are some alternatives to saying something is "on their table" for discussion?

Instead of saying something is "on their table", you could say it's "under their consideration", "before them", or "on their agenda" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "on the table" instead of "on their table"?

Saying something is "on the table" is generally used to mean it's open for discussion or consideration, applicable to everyone. Whereas, "on their table" is specifically addressed to a group of people, meaning that that group must examine it.