stuck on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stuck on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object that is physically adhered to or unable to be moved from the surface of a table. Example: "The glue was so strong that the paper was stuck on the table, making it difficult to remove."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Every time you go with your child you find it stuck on the table.

BMC Health Services Research

The success of this article will depend on the type of gum involved, and how long it has been stuck on the table.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Make sure to put some dry flour on them so that they don't stick on the table while you roll them.

WikiHow

He, along with James Haskell and Danny Cipriani, was supposed to assume the leadership mantle for the next generation of Wasps, but while Rees was stuck on the treatment table, Haskell and Cipriani departed overseas.

BBC

Also, along with many other pundits, I think Toy Story 3 and The Illusionist surely deserved a shot at the best film category instead of being kept on the best animated feature film list, which is like being stuck on the children's table at a wedding.

The Guardian

This provides the material for them to make two types of crystals, which they assemble into layers to create an immensely strong composite structure.As she looked out of the window one day while wondering about this, her gaze drifted to a periodic table of elements stuck on the wall.

The Economist

"Meet by the ping-pong tables," reads a sign stuck on the window.

The Guardian - Arts

Gerry stuck on the music.

The New Yorker

Even with the Smart Lens subject tracking, Portal is stuck on a table and lacks the convenience of video chatting from a phone in your portable, stabilized gimbal commonly known as your hand.

TechCrunch

Lay one stick on the table horizontally and the other on top vertically.

WikiHow

It's the only way I've been able to get things to move in the system rather than stuck on someone's table for a week or two. Nadia Part of this negativity has been realizing how much energy I have drained from dealing with the political nature of getting my research career launched in this next phase.…The mailbox chit chat is also critical albeit time consuming.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something physically "stuck on the table", consider the reason for the adhesion. Specifying the substance (e.g., glue, gum) or the action that caused it can add clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stuck on the table" when you mean simply placed on the table. "Stuck" implies difficulty in removal, so ensure your word choice accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stuck on the table" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being adhered or fixated to the surface of a table. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show both literal and figurative applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stuck on the table" is a versatile prepositional phrase that can describe both physical adhesion and metaphorical fixation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears commonly in diverse contexts, from Wiki sources detailing how to remove gum, to news media using it figuratively. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to consider the intended meaning, ensuring it accurately reflects either a physical state or a confined situation. When a simple placement is described, alternatives like "placed on the table" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhered to the table

Focuses on the physical adhesion rather than the inability to move.

affixed to the table

Implies a more deliberate and firm attachment.

glued to the table

Specifically refers to being attached with glue.

fixed on the table

Suggests something is firmly positioned and unlikely to move.

placed on the table

Emphasizes the action of putting something on the table, without necessarily being stuck.

left on the table

Suggests something was abandoned or forgotten on the table

lying on the table

Describes an item simply resting on the table's surface.

resting on the table

Similar to lying, but can also imply a temporary placement.

situated on the table

Describes something being located on the table.

positioned on the table

Implies a deliberate placement on the table.

FAQs

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

You can use "stuck on the table" to describe something physically adhered to a table, like "The chewing gum was "stuck on the table"." It can also be used metaphorically.

What is an alternative to "stuck on the table" for physical adhesion?

For physical adhesion, you could say "adhered to the table" or "affixed to the table" to emphasize the binding.

What's the difference between "stuck on the table" and "placed on the table"?

"Stuck on the table" implies difficulty in removal, while "placed on the table" simply means something was put there. Use "placed on the table" when there's no implication of adhesion.

In what scenarios would "stuck on the table" be inappropriate?

"Stuck on the table" would be inappropriate if you're merely describing the location of an object. For example, saying "The book was "stuck on the table"" when it was simply placed there is inaccurate.