remains on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a proposal, issue, or option is still available for consideration or discussion. Example: "The proposal for the new project remains on the table, and we can revisit it in our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Torture remains on the table as a future policy choice.

The New York Times

That offer remains on the table".

The New York Times

But Taiwan's request for the ships remains on the table.

The New York Times

What remains on the table is the use of politics.

The New Yorker

Possible conspiracy with Russians remains on the table.

The New York Times

For now, the idea remains on the table.

The New York Times

Bauer did submit a bid earlier in the process, which formally remains on the table.

The Guardian

"As has been widely reported, that offer still remains on the table.

The Guardian - Sport

As long as the notification remains on the table, the review must proceed.

The New York Times

Their late-season offer to Neagle nevertheless remains on the table.

The New York Times - Sports

This was the case again when I asked her whether no deal remains on the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains on the table" when you want to convey that an idea, proposal, or option is still being considered and hasn't been dismissed, especially in discussions, negotiations, or planning scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "remained on the table" when the option is still current or active. The phrase "remains on the table" indicates a present, ongoing state of consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains on the table" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a subject (e.g., a proposal, an option) indicating that it is still available for consideration. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing numerous examples where the phrase clarifies that something has not been discarded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remains on the table" is a versatile idiom used to indicate that an idea, option, or proposal is still under consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and business contexts. When using "remains on the table", ensure the option is still actively being considered to avoid misuse. Alternatives include "is still under consideration" or "is still an option", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, while "remained on the table" is grammatically correct, it suggests a past consideration rather than a current one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is still an option

Directly indicates that something is a choice that can be made.

Is still under consideration

Emphasizes the evaluation aspect of the idea.

Has not been ruled out

Indicates that something has not been rejected or eliminated.

Is still a possibility

Focuses on the potential or chance of something happening.

Is open for discussion

Emphasizes the availability for debate or further consideration.

Is yet to be decided

Highlights the undecided status of a matter.

Is still viable

Indicates that something is still capable of working or succeeding.

Is still in the running

Suggests ongoing competition or consideration among multiple options.

Continues to be available

Highlights the ongoing accessibility of something.

Awaiting a decision

Focuses on the expectation of a future decision.

FAQs

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

Use "remains on the table" to indicate that a proposal, idea, or option is still under consideration and has not been rejected. For example, "Despite the initial concerns, the merger proposal "remains on the table" pending further review".

What's a good alternative to "remains on the table"?

Alternatives include "is still under consideration", "is still an option", or "has not been ruled out". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "remained on the table"?

While grammatically correct, "remained on the table" implies that the option was under consideration in the past but may not be anymore. Use "remains on the table" when the option is still currently being considered.

What does it mean when someone says "that's on the table"?

Saying "that's on the table" means that something is being openly discussed and considered as a possible course of action or decision. It's similar to saying that the matter "is still under consideration".