table

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a noun and a verb. Noun example: The table was covered in books. Verb example: Please table the discussion until our next meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Travel

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He added: "I bring something new to the table.

The Guardian - Sport

You could imagine the chilly atmosphere at the breakfast table, the prime minister is said to have remarked to friends afterwards.

The Guardian

Rebel commanders are seeking assurances from Washington that if they sign a peace deal with the Colombian government, the United States will not be an obstacle to implementing agreements reached at the table.

The Guardian

A handful of luxury tents were grouped around a central area covered in rugs and cushions; a laden dinner table was set to one side.

The Guardian - Travel

The UN is not the obvious forum for discussing debt restructuring: unlike the International Monetary Fund, it is not a lender of last resort with emergency cash to disburse, and doesn't have a seat around the table when countries have to go to their creditors to ask for help.

The Guardian - Business

The prime minister will be unable to table his demands for the repatriation of powers before the next election because Clegg has dismissed this strategy as "a false promise wrapped in a union jack".

The Guardian

The Rams are now unbeaten in 10 league games while Blackpool remain rooted to the foot of the table with one win all season.

The Guardian - Sport

Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, also appealed to unionist leaders to return to the negotiating table over controversial parades, the flying of flags and the legacy of Ulster's violent past.

The Guardian

Given the diversity around your average dinner table, it would be extraordinarily difficult to come up with a joke that everyone found funny.

The Guardian

With only an outline sketch of an agreement on the table, many of Europe's most senior policymakers are of the opinion that a crisis point will be reached and that Athens's radical left Syriza government will be forced to either capitulate to Brussels or quit the euro.

The Guardian

McDonald's seems to sit at an emptying table in the middle.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "table" as a verb (to postpone), clarify the duration of the postponement to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "tabled until the next meeting".

Common error

In British English, to "table" a motion means to propose it for discussion. In American English, it means to postpone it. Be mindful of your audience to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The word "table" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a piece of furniture or a structured arrangement of data. It also serves as a verb, with differing meanings in US and British English (to postpone or to present, respectively). Ludwig confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Sport

17%

Business

11%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Politics

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "table" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, as validated by Ludwig. Its most common usage is within News & Media, Sports, and Business contexts. When using "table" as a verb, be aware of the potential for confusion between its US and British English meanings (postpone vs. present). Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of "table" in written English, offering examples to illustrate its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piece of furniture

Refers to the physical object aspect of a table, focusing on its function as a support.

data chart

Emphasizes the informational aspect of a table, particularly its use in organizing data.

negotiating platform

Highlights the metaphorical use of 'table' in discussions and negotiations.

flat surface

Focuses on the primary characteristic of a table: its level, supporting plane.

dining arrangement

Specifically relates to the function of a table in a dining setting.

put on the agenda

Implies the act of formally proposing a topic for discussion, similar to "table" in a meeting context.

postpone consideration

Mirrors the meaning of 'table' as delaying or shelving a topic.

statistical spreadsheet

Details the layout of statistical information. It is synonymous in certain data-heavy contexts.

surface for display

Broadens the concept to any area used to exhibit objects.

council

Similar to 'table' but indicates where decisions are made

FAQs

How can I use "table" in a sentence?

As a noun: "The book is on the table." As a verb (US English, to postpone): "The committee tabled the proposal." As a verb (British English, to present): "The member tabled a new amendment."

What does it mean to "table" something?

The meaning of "table" as a verb depends on the dialect. In US English, it means to postpone or suspend consideration of something. In British English, it means to present something for discussion or consideration.

What can I say instead of "put on the table" in a discussion?

You can use alternatives like "introduce for discussion", "present for consideration", or "propose for review" depending on the context.

What are the different meanings of "table"?

As a noun, "table" refers to a piece of furniture or an arrangement of data in rows and columns. As a verb, it can mean to postpone (US English) or to present for discussion (British English).