table for one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table for one" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a dining context when requesting a seat for a single person at a restaurant. Example: "When I arrived at the restaurant, I told the host I needed a table for one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dining alone, a table for one, flying solo, on your Pat Malone – whatever you wish to call it – there are those who indulge in solo dining with relish and those who simply won't consider doing it in public.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Time to get serious There's no Chinabot on "Table for One," though.

Huffington Post

I don't think an invasion can take place immediately; Afghanistan is still on the table, for one thing.

The New Yorker

IN "The Lonely Guy, Steve Martinn goes out to dinner, and as he's being led to a Table For One, a spotlight shines on him and all the other diners fall silent.

The New York Times

Make room on the table for one of Red Apron's rockin' house-made meats, maybe wild boar pâté seasoned with coriander and apricots, best slathered on the house-baked bread rippled from a panini press.

The Washington Post

Two of the 10 songs on Butterfly Boucher co-written by Boucher and Herzig -- "5678!" and "Table for One" -- take listeners on an extreme mood swing.

Huffington Post

Because we conduct an MFA based on the IO table for one year, the result only represents a snapshot of the status of that year.

Journal of Economic Structures

Three songs from the new album -- "Not Fooling Around," "Table for One" and "Take It Away" -- got placement on ABC Family's The Lying Game.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

7. Avoid the table-for-one scenario.

Forbes

A regular, she said, had a table for one-forty-five — "three and the turkey," meaning she was coming in with two friends and her recently born baby.

The New Yorker

When my husband travels for business I don't find much fun in putting a homemade dinner on the table for one and then there are all the dishes that I have do...myself!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When booking a reservation, specify "table for one" to ensure the restaurant understands you require seating for only one person. This helps avoid confusion and ensures appropriate accommodations.

Common error

Don't assume restaurants automatically accommodate single diners. Explicitly request a "table for one" when making reservations or upon arrival to avoid potential seating issues or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table for one" primarily functions as a noun phrase used to request a seating arrangement in a restaurant or dining establishment. It indicates that the person requires a table specifically for a single individual, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table for one" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to request seating for a single person at a restaurant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with neutral formality. Related phrases include "single seating" and "one-person table", providing alternatives for expressing the same request. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid misunderstandings with restaurant staff.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-person table

Directly states the table is intended for one individual.

reservation for one

Highlights booking for a single person.

single seating

Focuses on the arrangement for a single person.

setting for one

Highlights the arrangement of cutlery and dishware for a single person.

solo diner's spot

Emphasizes the experience of dining alone.

solo place setting

Focuses on the arrangement for single person.

place for one

A more general term indicating accommodation for one person.

single diner accommodation

Highlights the offer for single person.

individual dining space

Describes a designated area for a person eating alone.

space for a single person

A broader description referring to allocating space for one individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "table for one" when requesting seating at a restaurant, such as, "I would like a "table for one", please".

What is the best way to request a table when dining alone?

The simplest way is to ask for a ""table for one"". This is universally understood in restaurants.

Which is correct, "table for one" or "one table"?

While "one table" could be understood, ""table for one"" is the idiomatic and more commonly used phrase when dining solo.

Are there any negative connotations associated with requesting a "table for one"?

Generally, no. While dining alone was once stigmatized, it's now a common and accepted practice. Requesting a ""table for one"" is a straightforward way to indicate your needs.