solution on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"solution on the table" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It means that a potential solution to a problem is being considered or discussed. Example: "We have been struggling to find a solution to the budget deficit, but with this new proposal on the table, we may finally be able to reach a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They haven't put a credible solution on the table.

The New York Times

Cities are becoming unaffordable and, at the same time, there's no solution on the table to help with housing.

The Guardian

But my advice to writers working in Hollywood is to never go into a meeting without being ready to lay the solution on the table.

The Guardian

DAN MCGINN: So, she might be able to job craft it even if she can't really see that solution on the table in front of her.

Harvard Business Review

No surprise, then, to see Paul Ryan, in his debate with Joe Biden Thursday night, warning voters about his opponent: They haven't put a credible solution on the table.

The New Yorker

"There's a viable solution on the table that would essentially deliver the same benefits to students and not cost jobs," said Conwey Casillas, Sallie Mae's vice president for public affairs.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's time to put real solutions on the table.

The New York Times

The noisiest climate-change activists were predictably noisy and distraught, which missed the whole point that, whether they agree with what we're proposing or not, there are very few solutions on the table right now".

Independent

There were no easy solutions on the table when it came to the peso, but Macri felt transparency was the need of the hour.

Forbes

… GM protesters have been saying for over a decade that we don't want government research to be focused on GM technology when there are other solutions on the table that we could be researching, and nobody's listening".

Science Magazine

And there are no other viable solutions on the table.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solution on the table" when you want to convey that a solution is not only available but is also being actively considered or discussed as a real possibility. It's useful in contexts where options are being weighed and decisions are pending.

Common error

Avoid using "solution on the table" to suggest that a resolution is certain. The phrase simply means a solution is being considered, not that it will definitely be implemented or successful. Be careful not to create false expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solution on the table" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It typically indicates that a possible answer or approach to a problem is available and under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solution on the table" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a possible solution to a problem is being considered. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is widespread and acceptable. It appears frequently in news, business, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Remember that using "solution on the table" implies consideration but not guaranteed success. Related phrases include "available solution" and "proposed solution". When using this phrase, ensure you're conveying the idea of consideration rather than a promise of resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proposed solution

Highlights that the solution has been suggested but not necessarily accepted.

solution under consideration

Emphasizes the act of evaluating the solution.

available solution

Focuses on the availability of a solution, omitting the implication of active consideration.

possible resolution

Suggests the solution aims to resolve a conflict or issue.

viable option

Shifts the focus to the practicality and feasibility of the solution.

workable approach

Emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of the solution in real-world scenarios.

potential remedy

Implies a curative aspect, suggesting the solution can fix a problem.

suggested course of action

Broadens the scope to include general plans, not just specific solutions.

plausible answer

Focuses on the credibility and believability of the solution.

on the agenda

Indicates that the solution is scheduled for discussion or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "solution on the table" to indicate that a potential solution to a problem is being considered or discussed. For instance, "The committee has put a comprehensive proposal for budget cuts as a "proposed solution" on the table".

What are some alternatives to saying "solution on the table"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "available solution", "viable option", or ""proposed solution"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "solutions are on the table"?

Yes, "solutions are on the table" is grammatically correct and means that multiple potential solutions are being considered. It is the plural form of "solution on the table".

What does it mean when someone says "everything is on the table"?

When someone says "everything is on the table", it means all options and possibilities are being considered, including those that might be unconventional or previously dismissed. It indicates a willingness to explore any "possible resolution".