table full of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table full of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when describing a table that is completely covered or filled with something. Example: The dining room table was full of delicious food for Thanksgiving dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I once did a crystal table, full of Baccarat and Steuben.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blossom was singing "Sophisticated Lady," and a table full of swingers started talking.

The New York Times - Magazine

He sat behind a table full of empty Coke bottles and tin cans.

The New Yorker

There's a table full of Horrible Histories books and a shelf of cuddly armoured elephants.

The Guardian - Travel

At Wesleyan, the camera goes around a dining hall, and an offscreen student asks the different, socially stratified tables — a table full of jocks, a table full of hipsters — to talk about student stereotypes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mildly bewildered parents who aren't entirely sure why they've queued up for hours to meet this table full of nerds.

The Guardian - Tech

People pawed through a table full of empty potato-chip bags, looking for a bottle that had something in it.

The New Yorker

Joan and Josep admired a table full of nubby local potatoes, and at another stand inspected an ostrich egg.

The New Yorker

Nearby, a table full of toffs in pinstripes roared with laughter at someone's quip about the Inland Revenue.

The Guardian

Had I not been so stunned by his acceptance, I might have asked for a table full of Pakistani treats.

The New York Times

He breaks them and runs a few, then misses and leaves the table full of shots for the other players.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "table full of", ensure that the noun following 'of' accurately reflects the contents. For instance, "table full of books" is more precise than "table full of stuff".

Common error

Avoid using "table full of" with collective nouns when specificity is needed. Instead of "table full of people", consider "table full of guests", if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table full of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of a table, indicating that it is covered or filled with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "table full of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to vividly describe a table covered or filled with something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, with neutral formality, and serves to provide a descriptive emphasis on abundance or variety. When using this phrase, ensure the noun following 'of' accurately represents the contents of the table. Consider using alternatives like "table laden with", "table covered in", or "table overflowing with" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

table laden with

This alternative evokes a sense of abundance and weight, suggesting the table is heavily loaded.

table covered in

This alternative emphasizes the extent of coverage, indicating that the table's surface is entirely concealed.

table overflowing with

This suggests an excess, where items are spilling over the edges of the table.

table stacked with

This implies that items are piled high on the table, one on top of another.

table spread with

This highlights the arrangement of items across the table, often in an organized manner.

table packed with

This conveys the idea of items being tightly compressed together on the table.

table groaning under the weight of

Similar to 'laden', this phrase emphasizes the heaviness and abundance to an even greater degree.

table teeming with

Suggests a lively abundance, as if the table is alive with the items on it.

table exhibiting

Focuses on the display aspect, showcasing the contents on the table.

table presenting

Similar to 'exhibiting', this emphasizes the act of offering or showing what's on the table.

FAQs

How can I use "table full of" in a sentence?

You can use "table full of" to describe a table that is covered or filled with something. For example, "The bakery displayed a table full of pastries".

What can I say instead of "table full of"?

Alternatives include "table laden with", "table covered in", or "table overflowing with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a table full with" instead of "a table full of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "A table full of" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase.

What's the difference between "a table full of" and "a table with"?

"A table full of" implies that the table is completely covered or filled, whereas "a table with" simply indicates the presence of something on the table, regardless of how much space it occupies.