table covered in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table covered in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a table that has something on its surface, typically referring to an object or material that is spread over it. Example: "The table covered in books made it difficult to find a place to eat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I entered and was led to a miniscule table covered in white paper.

The New York Times

A long table covered in paint and paper doubles as a silkscreen bed.

The Guardian - Arts

He sat alone before them, behind a table covered in white cloth and trimmed with a red curtain.

The New York Times

Justin agreed to participate, lying down on a table, covered in casting material and breathing through straws in his nostrils.

The New York Times

We were at one end of a giant table covered in dozens of prototype consoles, controllers, and Kinect sensors.

The New Yorker

The wooden toucan that used to sit in the middle of the dining-room table, covered in long white scratches.

The New Yorker

There is also an ex-billiards table covered in equipment which the lucky scribbly-tappy writer does not need.

The Guardian - Books

Chrissy and I are both asleep, the cat impassively between us, the coffee table covered in candy wrappers.

The New York Times

We hunkered down at a long, shared outside table covered in a white-and-red check tablecloth.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The look is rustic, with tables covered in butcher paper.

The New York Times

Surrounding the house were piles of clothing and tables covered in food and supplies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "table covered in" to vividly depict the items present, enhancing the reader's understanding. For example, "The table covered in maps and compasses hinted at an adventurous journey."

Common error

Avoid phrasing such as "The table was covered in..." when you can use a more active and engaging voice like "A table covered in..." to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table covered in" functions as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "table". It enriches the sentence by specifying what is on the table, creating a more detailed image. This is supported by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

10%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "table covered in" is a versatile and commonly used descriptive element. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, travel, and arts publications. It effectively conveys the contents on a table, painting a vivid picture for the reader. While alternatives like "table laden with" exist, "table covered in" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice for describing a table's surface.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

table laden with

Replaces "covered in" with "laden with", emphasizing a heavy or abundant covering.

table adorned with

Substitutes "covered in" with "adorned with", highlighting a decorative or embellishing aspect.

table spread with

Uses "spread with" instead of "covered in", suggesting items are distributed across the table.

table topped with

Replaces "covered in" with "topped with", simply indicating items are on the table's surface.

table bearing

Substitutes "covered in" with "bearing", giving a sense that the table is carrying or supporting the items.

table featuring

Replaces "covered in" with "featuring", emphasizing the items as a prominent characteristic of the table.

table displaying

Uses "displaying" instead of "covered in", focusing on the presentation of items on the table.

table with an array of

Expresses "covered in" using "with an array of", suggesting a varied collection of items on the table.

table stacked high with

Replaces "covered in" with "stacked high with", indicating a large quantity of items piled on the table.

table cluttered with

Substitutes "covered in" with "cluttered with", implying a disorganized or overcrowded arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "table covered in" in a sentence?

You can use "table covered in" to describe what items are present on a table. For example, "The table covered in books was in the library."

What are some alternatives to "table covered in"?

Alternatives include "table laden with", "table topped with", or "table adorned with", depending on the context.

Which is more descriptive, "table covered in" or "table with"?

"Table covered in" provides a more vivid and immediate image compared to the more general "table with". For example, "table covered in crumbs" is more descriptive than "table with crumbs".

How does the meaning change if I use "table surrounded by" instead of "table covered in"?

"Table surrounded by" indicates items or people around the table, while "table covered in" indicates items on the table. The phrase "table surrounded by" focuses on the area around the table instead of the table's surface.