serving at the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving at the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to dining, hospitality, or any situation where food is being served to guests or customers. Example: "The staff was busy serving at the table, ensuring that every guest had what they needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An advert in which the children and father are all sitting down and the mother is serving at the table cannot be accepted as normal".

The Guardian

Place in a fancy container for serving at the table.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some dinners are served from a buffet table, with only dessert and coffee served at the table by waiters.

The New York Times

Pour any of the resting juices back over the meat and serve at the table to share.

Independent

A typical meal in the Mussolini household was punctual, with everyone seated and served at the table before his arrival.

Independent

If they serve at the table, which is usually the case, then they would expect at least a "rounded up tip".

The Guardian - Money

At Reach, unlike many other schools, lunch is served at the table – meaning there are no long queues of bored and hungry children clutching trays.

The Guardian

When cooked, the mixture keeps the fish moist and becomes somewhat milder; what's served at the table retains all its rather considerable power.

The New York Times - Food

We wanted the children to come in and sit at tables straight away, not queue up and wait in long lines, and we created a family style setting with food served at the table, with proper plates, glasses and cutlery.

The Guardian

Most starters, such as a picada (charcuterie selection) and salads are for sharing, as are the parrillada mains – these individual grills with a smoking coal base to keep meat warm are served at the table.

The Guardian - Travel

The food at Vijay is exactly the same as the food served at the table of one of the 20th century's most passionate exponent's of Indian culture.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing roles or responsibilities, use ""serving at the table"" to clearly indicate the act of providing food or assistance to diners.

Common error

Avoid using ""serving at the table"" when referring to a buffet-style setup where guests serve themselves. The phrase implies a more direct, hands-on form of service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""serving at the table"" functions as a gerund phrase, often used to describe a specific service style or a duty performed by staff in a dining context. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is a usable and correct English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""serving at the table"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of providing food or services directly to diners at their tables. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for general use. While primarily found in news and media and wiki sources, its neutral register makes it versatile for various contexts. To achieve greater formality, consider alternatives such as "providing table service". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with contexts where direct service is provided, rather than self-service scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serving diners at their table

Specifies the recipients of the service as 'diners'.

providing table service

Focuses on the act of providing service, replacing the gerund form with a more direct noun phrase.

catering to guests at the table

Highlights the act of catering, indicating personalized service.

attending to the table

Emphasizes the care and attention given to the diners at the table.

offering tableside service

Highlights the aspect of service happening directly at the table.

waiting on tables

More colloquial; specifically refers to the act of a waiter serving customers.

delivering food to the table

Focuses on the physical action of bringing food to the table.

presenting meals at the table

Implies a more formal and curated service.

offering sustenance at the table

Replaces "food" or "meals" with the more formal term "sustenance".

ministering to diners at their table

Uses a more elevated verb to suggest attentive and almost caring service.

FAQs

How can I use "serving at the table" in a sentence?

You can use "serving at the table" to describe the act of waiters providing food and drinks to customers. For example: "The restaurant is known for its excellent service, with attentive staff always "serving at the table"".

What are some alternatives to "serving at the table"?

Alternatives include "providing table service", "waiting on tables", or "attending to the table", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "serving at the table" formal or informal?

"Serving at the table" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "providing table service" might be preferable in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "serving at the table" and "table service"?

"Serving at the table" describes the action, while "table service" refers to the type of service offered. A restaurant might advertise "table service", meaning that staff will be "serving at the table".