option on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "option on the table" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that an idea or plan has been suggested and is still under consideration. For example, "We have discussed all of the options on the table but still need more time to decide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The president, in his speech to Aipac, said military force was one option on the table for dealing with Iran.

The New York Times

It is believed that one option on the table is for Tata to take on investment support offered by the British government and maintain its operations.

The Guardian - Business

Government officials have said that abandoning the Monju program is one option on the table.

Science Magazine

There's still one more option on the table: diplomacy.

Vice

There's another option on the table, albeit a rather untested one: Bernie could call for mass protest during the actual presidential campaign.

HuffPost

Micro-finance is not the only option on the table.

The Guardian

Why is that not even an option on the table?

The Guardian - Opinion

He should keep that option on the table.

The New York Times

"It keeps the healthy option on the table," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Quite possibly, it was also the best option on the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

One option on the table is that there are no brokers in the 2017 model.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "option on the table", ensure the context clearly indicates who is considering the option and what the potential outcomes might be.

Common error

Avoid using "option on the table" when the choice is already decided or when no real alternatives exist; it implies a genuine possibility of selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "option on the table" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is being considered as a potential course of action. Examples show it used in political, business, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Opinion

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "option on the table" is a common idiom signifying a possibility under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure the context reflects genuine consideration of alternatives. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it when a decision is already final or the 'option' isn't realistically viable. Alternatives such as "solution on the table" or "alternative under consideration" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solution on the table

Focuses on the aspect of solving a problem or addressing a challenge.

alternative under consideration

Highlights that the option is currently being evaluated.

possibility being explored

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the option.

available choice

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the availability of a selection.

viable option

Indicates that the option is practical and workable.

possible course of action

Highlights the aspect of taking action based on the option.

potential avenue

Suggests the option is a path or direction that can be pursued.

a card to play

Implies a strategic or tactical element to the option.

something to consider

Broadly indicates that the item is worthy of thought.

an open door

Suggests an opportunity or possibility is readily available.

FAQs

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

You can use "option on the table" to indicate that something is being considered. For example: "Military intervention remains an "option on the table", although diplomacy is preferred."

What are some alternatives to saying "option on the table"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "solution on the table", "alternative under consideration", or "possibility being explored".

Is it correct to say "options on the table" instead of "option on the table"?

Yes, "options on the table" is the plural form and is used when referring to multiple possibilities. "Option on the table" is singular and refers to a single possibility.

When should I avoid using the phrase "option on the table"?

Avoid using "option on the table" when the decision has already been made, or when the so-called 'option' is not realistically feasible. It is best used when there is genuine consideration of different alternatives.