table for discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table for discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a topic or issue is being set aside for future consideration or debate. Example: "We should table this issue for discussion at our next meeting to allow everyone time to gather their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Certainly, that's on the table for discussion.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite the unsettled state of affairs, backbone regulation is not yet on the table for discussion.

The New York Times

And since such discomfort could be alleviated simply, they've put that on the table for discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even today, Israeli society yearns so for peace that even cutting up parts of Jerusalem, its ancient capital, once deemed anathema, is on the table for discussion.

The New York Times

"The first thing we were told is the federal method for calculating adequate yearly progress was not on the table for discussion".

The New York Times

A compromise offer from South Africa and Ethiopia for an intergovernmental expert committee will also be on the table for discussion today.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It poses questions about which coalitions should be built and who should be at the table for discussions.

The Guardian

Under the agreement, Russia will for the first time become an equal partner at the table for discussions and actions with the 19 NATO members on a variety of issues, including nonproliferation, military cooperation and civilian emergency planning.

The New York Times

Reykjavik was full of diplomats again last week, for the announcement of a new, rather hazy arrangement whereby, as the Times put it, "Russia will for the first time become an equal partner at the table for discussions and actions with the nineteen NATO members on a variety of issues".

The New Yorker

But as this agreement demonstrates, the United States wants China at the table for discussions of the big-picture problems.

Huffington Post

Around 70 other issues are tabled for discussion at the meeting, which is attended by 177 nations.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table for discussion" when you want to indicate that a topic is formally proposed for consideration during a meeting or debate. Ensure the context is appropriate for a somewhat formal setting.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "to table a motion" (which means to postpone or remove it from consideration) with "on the table for discussion" (which means it's ready to be discussed). They have opposite meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table for discussion" functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a topic or issue. It indicates that something is being proposed or considered for deliberation, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table for discussion" is a versatile phrase, predominantly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, signaling that a topic is ready for formal consideration or debate. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. A key point to remember is not to confuse it with "tabling a motion", which has the opposite meaning. Alternatives like "subject to discussion" or "on the agenda" can be used depending on the specific context. When used appropriately, "table for discussion" can effectively communicate the intention to formally address a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be discussed

A more concise way of saying something will be discussed.

on the table

More concise, implying readiness for immediate consideration.

subject to discussion

Highlights that a topic is open to being discussed.

up for debate

Focuses specifically on the aspect of debating a topic.

pending discussion

Emphasizes that discussion is waiting to happen.

open for deliberation

Suggests a more formal and careful consideration.

under consideration

Emphasizes that something is currently being thought about.

available for consideration

Focuses on the availability of something to be considered.

on the agenda

Implies the topic is scheduled to be discussed.

under review

Highlights the aspect of reviewing or examining something.

FAQs

How can I use "table for discussion" in a sentence?

You can say, "The proposal to restructure the department will be on the "table for discussion" at the next board meeting".

What does it mean when something is "tabled for discussion"?

It means the item is set aside, or postponed, for consideration at a later time. Confusingly, to "table" an item can also mean the opposite: to bring it up for debate.

What phrases are similar to ""table for discussion""?

Alternatives include "subject to discussion", "under consideration", or "on the agenda", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is "table for discussion" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for business meetings, formal debates, and professional communications. It's less appropriate for very informal conversations.