put on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"put on the table" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action where someone puts something on the surface of a table. For example: "She put the plate of cookies on the table and the smell of freshly baked treats filled the room".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what we've put on the table.

The New Yorker

I said put on the table what's in your pockets.

The Guardian - Film

Everything — everything must be put on the table now.

The New York Times

But you can control what you put on the table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is no offer put on the table".

The New York Times

Science has been put on the table to help people".

Independent

"That is the issue we want to put on the table".

The New York Times

Some companies now sell gourmet meals for employees to take home and put on the table".

The New York Times

The once unthinkable notion of selling Lehman in its entirety was also put on the table.

The New York Times

And there is so much money to put on the table.

The New Yorker

There are, of course, many things that should never be put on the table.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, specify what exactly you are putting on the table. For example, instead of "We need to put options on the table," say "We need to put concrete proposals on the table."

Common error

Avoid using "put on the table" in contexts where you literally mean placing something on a table. If you are describing a physical action, use more direct language like "place" or "set". For example, don't say "He put the keys on the table" if you mean he physically placed them there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on the table" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a topic, idea, or proposal for discussion or consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put on the table" is a versatile idiomatic phrase that means to present something for consideration or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, indicating a register that ranges from neutral to professional. When writing, remember that alternatives such as "table for discussion" or "submit for review" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. It's crucial to avoid literal interpretations in contexts that require a more figurative or idiomatic understanding. The phrase is valuable for initiating dialogue, proposing ideas, and fostering open consideration in various professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

table for discussion

This is a more formal way of saying something will be discussed.

present for consideration

This alternative emphasizes the act of formally introducing something for review or discussion.

submit for review

This alternative focuses on the action of handing something over for evaluation.

raise as a topic

This highlights the act of mentioning or introducing a subject for discussion.

introduce for debate

This alternative highlights the intention of initiating a debate or discussion on a particular topic.

offer as an option

This focuses on presenting something as a possible choice or alternative.

propose for deliberation

This emphasizes the act of suggesting something for careful and thorough consideration.

lay out for consideration

This alternative suggests a detailed and comprehensive presentation of information for evaluation.

bring to the forefront

This means to bring something to the front or to the attention of someone.

set forth for analysis

This suggests a more formal and structured presentation of something for detailed examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "put on the table" to indicate that something is being presented for discussion or consideration. For example, "We need to "present for consideration" all possible solutions to address this issue".

What's an alternative to saying "put on the table"?

Alternatives to "put on the table" include "table for discussion", "submit for review", or "propose for deliberation" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "put on the table" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business or political contexts, where it's used to describe introducing a topic or proposal for discussion and decision-making.

What does it mean when someone says, "everything is put on the table"?

When someone says, "everything is put on the table", it means that all options, ideas, or proposals are open for discussion and consideration, even those that might initially seem unlikely or off-limits.