reserve a table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reserve a table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a request to secure a dining spot at a restaurant or similar establishment. Example: "I would like to reserve a table for two at 7 PM tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

From there, you can now also ask it to show you the menu at a given restaurant and then make a reservation with a simple voice command: "Ok Google, reserve a table there at 7pm tonight".

TechCrunch

The Assistant will soon be able make calls for you to make a reservation — maybe for a salon appointment or to reserve a table at a restaurant that doesn't take online bookings.

TechCrunch

Reserve a table on the outdoor deck in advance.

The New York Times - Travel

Try to reserve a table back in the lush garden.

The New York Times - Travel

Reserve a table in the beautiful main dining room, where the servers sing folk songs.

The New York Times - Travel

Reserve a table for dinner to avoid the 100 koruna admission charge.

The New York Times - Travel

Wheelchair users should call ahead to reserve a table with access to the entrance and restrooms.

The New York Times

During the off season you can often reserve a table just a few days before visiting.

The New York Times

Reserve a table on the porch, which overlooks the colorful fishing boats moored in Tent Bay.

The New York Times - Travel

"We'd reserve a table under Lemony Snicket, write letters to newspapers in his name.

The New York Times - Magazine

OpenTable has the added feature of letting you reserve a table right from the app.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you have specific seating preferences (e.g. near a window or away from noise), mention them when reserving.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all restaurants accept reservations or have the same policies. Always check in advance to understand their specific reservation requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserve a table" functions as a directive speech act, specifically a request. It's used to initiate the action of securing a dining spot at a restaurant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reserve a table" is a grammatically sound and exceedingly common phrase used to request a dining spot. As Ludwig AI accurately states, its purpose is to proactively secure a place for dining, thus eliminating potential wait times. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for varied scenarios. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it is also frequent in Wiki and Formal & Business settings. Alternative phrases, such as "book a table" or "make a reservation", can be used interchangeably. Remember to always specify details such as date, time, and number of guests when making a reservation. Avoiding assumptions about reservation policies is essential. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "reserve a table" remains a valuable asset in a diner's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

book a table

Uses "book" instead of "reserve", implying the same action of securing a table.

make a reservation

Employs "make a reservation" for a more general term applicable to various bookings.

secure a table

Replaces "reserve" with "secure", highlighting the act of ensuring a table is available.

arrange a table

Uses "arrange" to suggest organizing or setting up a table in advance.

request a table

Emphasizes the act of asking for a table to be held.

get a table

A more informal way of expressing the desire to have a table assigned.

claim a table

Suggests taking possession of a table, often in a casual setting.

save a table

Indicates setting aside a table for later use.

hold a table

Similar to saving, but implies a temporary hold on the table.

block off a table

Suggests preventing others from using a specific table.

FAQs

What is another way to say "reserve a table"?

You can also say "book a table" or "make a reservation".

Is it necessary to "reserve a table" at every restaurant?

No, it's not always necessary. Some restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it's recommended to reserve a table, especially for popular restaurants or during peak hours.

How far in advance should I "reserve a table"?

The appropriate time frame depends on the restaurant's popularity. For highly sought-after restaurants, it's best to reserve weeks or even months in advance. For more casual establishments, a few days or even the same day may suffice.

What information do I need to provide when I "reserve a table"?

Typically, you'll need to provide your name, contact number, the date and time you'd like to reserve, and the number of people in your party. You may also need to provide a credit card to secure the reservation.