table a motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"table a motion" is a phrase used in written English.
It means to postpone a motion for a later discussion. For example, "The board chair tabled the motion until the next meeting so that the members could have time to review the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Alternatively, the opposition can table a motion of confidence in the Commons.

The Guardian

The Welsh and Scottish nationalists will table a motion calling for an immediate general election next week.

The Guardian

But if Cameron is going to table a motion, it is going to have to say something.

The Guardian

Despite this, Palestine might try to table a motion to improve its prospects of statehood next month.

The Economist

He was the first MP to table a motion on apartheid, following his father's lead, as in many other aspects of his life.

The Guardian

Evan Harris, the former Lib Dem MP, and Lady Williams, are planning to table a motion in Birmingham demanding more changes to the health and social care bill.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It has tabled a motion in the Lords which will not lead to a vote.

The Guardian

He moves on to the Gurkhas and congratulates Nick Clegg for tabling a motion on this.

The Guardian

An earlier version stated that Alastair Ross tabled a motion to further tighten the abortion ban.

The Guardian

Mulholland had previously tabled a motion in parliament highlighting the importance of the school to the local community.

The Guardian

And true, Linda Jack – chair of Liberal Left, the party's most leftwing faction – tables a motion criticising coalition economics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table a motion" when you want to formally postpone discussion on a specific proposal in a meeting or legislative setting. It implies the item will be considered at a later, unspecified time.

Common error

Avoid using "table a motion" when you actually mean "bring to the table", which means to introduce a topic for discussion. "Table a motion" specifically means to postpone discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table a motion" functions as a verb phrase indicating a procedural action within a formal setting. Ludwig AI confirms its established usage in political and organizational contexts, primarily to defer discussion or decision-making on a proposal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "table a motion" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of formally postponing a motion, usually within a structured setting like a meeting or parliament. As Ludwig AI analysis shows, it is most frequently encountered in news and media, with some usage in formal and business contexts. When writing, remember that "table a motion" is not the same as rejecting a motion. If you want to say that you are introducing a motion, you can use instead "submit a motion" or "present a motion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defer a motion

Replaces "table" with "defer", emphasizing the act of putting something off to a later time.

postpone a motion

Uses "postpone" instead of "table", directly conveying the meaning of delaying the discussion.

hold over a motion

Indicates that a motion is being held for future debate or voting.

shelve a motion

Emphasizes the act of setting aside a motion, possibly indefinitely.

lay a motion on the table

A more formal and somewhat archaic variation of the original phrase, maintaining the same meaning.

adjourn a motion

This relates to suspending the meeting and with it the motion until a later time.

submit a motion

Focuses on the action of presenting the motion for consideration, contrasting with postponement.

introduce a motion

Highlights the introduction of a motion rather than its subsequent handling.

present a motion

Similar to "introduce a motion", emphasizing the act of bringing the motion forward.

put forward a motion

Emphasizes the act of proposing or suggesting the motion for discussion.

FAQs

What does it mean to "table a motion"?

To "table a motion" means to postpone it for discussion at a later time, which could be a subsequent meeting or indefinitely. It's a procedural way to delay consideration of a proposal.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "table a motion"?

It's appropriate to use "table a motion" in formal meeting settings, such as board meetings, legislative sessions, or committee meetings, when a decision is made to postpone discussion on a specific item.

What's the difference between "defer a motion" and "table a motion"?

The phrases are very similar, and you can often use "defer a motion" and "table a motion" interchangeably. Both indicate a postponement, but "table a motion" often implies the item will be revisited later.

Is "table a motion" the same as rejecting a motion?

No, "table a motion" is not the same as rejecting it. "Table a motion" means to postpone the discussion, while rejecting a motion means to vote against it and prevent it from being adopted.