served on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "served on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to food that has been prepared and placed on a table so that it is ready to be eaten. For example: The chef served the steak on the table, and the aroma made our mouths water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I took home a bottle of the spicy sauce, which is also served on the table as a dipping sauce for the crusty Gomeran bread.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Eisemann said customers say that they like knowing the source of their meat, whether it will ultimately be served on the table or on the floor.

The New York Times - Food

More dire, the state's crop of field corn -- not served on the table, but used to make starch, corn oil and dog food, among other products -- may fall by as much as 30percentthis yearar.

The New York Times

We are interrupted mid conversation, as the food is served on the table: wonton soup, bowls of fluffy rice, green beans and a whole steamed fish, with Sichuan peppers.

Huffington Post

Thank them for each meal that is served on the table.

WikiHow

Special pancakes, onions, sweet sauce are also served on the table.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now cold water, wine, beer and other drinks could be imbibed by the masses rather than simply served on the tables of the Roman elite.

Forbes

"VOSS, with its iconic design, is served on the tables of the finest restaurants and lounges, in the rooms of the most distinctive hotels and in the homes of the most demanding water drinkers around the world," claims VOSS World.

Vice

Despite Chinese translations in the signs posted with each offering, an older Asian man with a Nike baseball cap seems uncertain about what is being served on the last table.

The New York Times

Food can only be served on the hallway table between the two parlors.

Duke University

Each year the CFDC invites every single business owner, clergy member, school principal and forest ranger within 30 miles of the old mill to buffet dinner--this year it was served on the shuffle board table at the American Legion--to celebrate the community's rejuvenation.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "served on the table" when you want to emphasize that food or drink is ready for consumption and has been presented in a dining setting.

Common error

Avoid using "served on the table" when you mean something was merely placed there without the intention of being consumed or used in a meal setting. Use a phrase like "placed on the table" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "served on the table" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating where something, typically food, is located and ready for consumption. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "served on the table" is grammatically correct and typically used to indicate that food or drink is available for consumption in a dining setting. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples. While not extremely common, it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, with a slight lean towards neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the intent is to convey readiness and availability for a meal. Using other phrases like "placed on the table" may be more suitable when the intent is not related to consumption or serving food.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented at the table

Replaces 'served' with 'presented', emphasizing the act of offering something formally.

offered on the table

Highlights the act of making something available.

placed on the table

Focuses on the physical act of putting something on the table, rather than the act of serving.

set on the table

Similar to 'placed', but can also imply a deliberate arrangement.

provided on the table

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something on the table.

available at the table

Highlights the accessibility of something on the table.

supplied to the table

Focuses on the act of providing resources.

displayed on the table

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the item on the table.

laid out on the table

Suggests a more extensive or elaborate arrangement.

arranged on the table

Highlights the deliberate and organized placement of items.

FAQs

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

You can use "served on the table" to describe food that is ready to be eaten: "The freshly baked bread was "served on the table"."

What are some alternatives to "served on the table"?

Alternatives include phrases like "presented at the table", "placed on the table", or "available at the table", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "served at the table" instead of "served on the table"?

While "served at the table" might be understandable, ""served on the table"" is more common and grammatically standard when referring to food or items ready for consumption.

What's the difference between "served on the table" and "served to the table"?

"Served on the table" refers to the location of the food, while "served to the table" implies the act of bringing the food to the table.