sitting on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object that is physically located on the surface of a table. Example: "The book is sitting on the table, waiting to be read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I looked around and only saw three empty chairs in the dining cabin: one was wet, one was missing a leg and one had an iPad sitting on the table in front of it, signaling that it belonged to someone else.

Huffington Post

At one point, Matt Barbet, the Channel 5 News reader, ends up sitting on the table next to us with his young family and a friend.

Independent

"They're sitting on the table.

The New Yorker

It was sitting on the table.

The New Yorker

There were no newspapers sitting on the table in the Mets' clubhouse yesterday afternoon.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have zillions of ideas from them sitting on the table," she said.

The New York Times

Chief executive, James Henderson and the firm's communications director were listed as sitting on the table.

The Guardian

A copy of the Post was sitting on the table with the computers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many one-time patrons who have been chastised for sitting on the tables, whistling loudly or trying to pick up women refer to it as "that rule place" and have complained that the atmosphere is a "buzz kill".

The New York Times - Style

At most times of the day, you could find four or five plastic-covered meals sitting on the tables in the officers' dining room, growing cold.

The New Yorker

"Then it calmed down a bit and I walked back to the front of the cafe and there was a whole pile of bodies, probably about seven on the left-hand side and four that had been sitting on the tables outside on the right-hand side, and a lot of injured.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sitting on the table" to clearly indicate the physical location of an object. For abstract concepts like ideas or proposals, consider if "on the table" or "under consideration" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "sitting on the table" when you actually mean something is under active discussion or consideration. While "on the table" can imply this, "sitting" suggests inaction. If the context is about active deliberation, alternatives like "under consideration" or "up for discussion" are more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting on the table" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate location. Ludwig's examples show this phrase being used to describe the physical placement of objects and sometimes to metaphorically indicate something is available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sitting on the table" is a versatile phrase that primarily indicates the physical location of an object, but can also metaphorically represent something available for discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common. While predominantly found in news, media, and general writing, it maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider whether the literal or figurative meaning is most appropriate for the context and choose alternatives like "under consideration" for greater precision when referring to ideas being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the table

Shorter version focusing on the location without specifying the action.

placed on the table

Emphasizes the action of putting something on the table.

resting on the table

Similar to sitting, but implies a more relaxed or supported position.

located on the table

Focuses on the physical location of the object.

positioned on the table

Highlights the deliberate placement of something.

present on the table

Emphasizes the existence or presence of something on the table.

lying on the table

Suggests something is in a horizontal position.

available on the table

Implies that something is accessible or ready for use, metaphorically.

under consideration

Metaphorically represents an idea being discussed or considered.

up for discussion

Highlights the fact that something will be discussed

FAQs

What does "sitting on the table" mean?

Literally, "sitting on the table" describes something physically located on a table. Figuratively, it can mean something is available or being considered.

Is it always literal when we say something is "sitting on the table"?

No, the phrase can be used metaphorically to describe an idea or proposal that is "under consideration".

What are some other ways to say something is available for discussion?

Instead of "sitting on the table", you could say it's "up for discussion", "under consideration", or "being discussed".

Can "sitting on the table" imply something is not being actively worked on?

Yes, the word "sitting" can imply a lack of action. If you want to convey active engagement, phrases like "being addressed" or "being reviewed" may be more appropriate.