resting on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resting on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object that is placed or situated on a table's surface. Example: "The book was resting on the table, waiting to be picked up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Their hands were resting on the table, red speared at the tips.

Yale University

Reaching for a sugar shaker, he filled a metal spoon resting on the table with granules.

The New Yorker

Again, Phillips had arrived early and was waiting for McCrummen, her purse resting on the table.

The Washington Post

The man appears to be passed out, with his bloodied arm and his severed hand resting on the table.

The Washington Post

One of the chairs is occupied by a large frog, perhaps two feet high, which sits with its throat resting on the table edge.

The New Yorker

And at the desk, wearing the pocket jacket favored in Malaya, his pale hands still resting on the table, was the presumed owner of the house.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But resting on the tables and chests along the walls are dozens of family photographs, mostly images of the Vests daughter, Kemper Gay, and son, John.

MIT Technology Review

An urn containing Clark's ashes rested on the table next to two photographs of him: one recent, the other of Clark, in his 20s, sporting a black leather jacket and shiny pompadour.

Los Angeles Times

His tenor saxophone rests on the table beside him.

The New York Times

A sealed plastic bag with sliced fresh vegetables rests on the table.

The Washington Post

His hand, with a crescent moon tattooed between his thumb and forefinger, rested on the table before him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resting on the table" to clearly and simply describe an object's position. It works well in both descriptive and narrative writing to establish a scene or detail an action.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions. Instead of "The book was resting on the table", consider "The book rested on the table" for a more direct and active sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resting on the table" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the location or position of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically sound. For example, "The book was resting on the table." Ludwig provides several examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

4.16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resting on the table" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the location of an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, Wiki, and Academia. While simple and direct, it effectively conveys spatial information and is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Alternatives like "lying on the table" or "situated on the table" can offer subtle variations in meaning or formality. When using the phrase, prioritize active voice for clearer writing. The phrase is simple, accurate, and widely accepted for describing an object's position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying on the table

Replaces "resting" with "lying", emphasizing a horizontal position.

placed on the table

Focuses on the action of putting something on the table, resulting in it resting there.

situated on the table

Uses a more formal term, "situated", to describe the object's location on the table.

positioned on the table

Similar to "placed", but highlights the deliberate arrangement of the object.

set on the table

Implies that the object was intentionally placed on the table.

atop the table

Uses "atop" to indicate a position directly on top of the table.

on the table's surface

Specifies that the object is on the surface of the table.

supported by the table

Emphasizes the table's role in holding the object.

located on the table

A general way of indicating the object's position on the table.

present on the table

Highlights the object's presence on the table.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "resting on the table" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "situated on the table" or "positioned on the table". These alternatives add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

What is the difference between "lying on the table" and "resting on the table"?

While both phrases describe an object's position, "lying on the table" typically implies a flat or horizontal position, whereas "resting on the table" is a more general term and doesn't necessarily specify the object's orientation. They are often interchangeable, but context may favor one over the other.

Is it correct to say "laying on the table" instead of "resting on the table"?

The phrase "laying on the table" can be grammatically incorrect depending on the context. "Laying" requires a direct object (e.g., "She is laying the book on the table"). To describe an object already positioned, use "lying on the table" or "resting on the table".

When should I use "resting on the table" versus "on the table"?

Use "resting on the table" when you want to emphasize that an object is supported by the table, implying a state of being at rest. "On the table" is a broader term that simply indicates location, without necessarily implying support or stability.