table it for now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table it for now" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest postponing a discussion or decision on a particular topic until a later time. Example: "Let's table it for now and revisit this issue in our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He knows how businessmen, faced with a terrible proposal, will say, "Let's table it for now"; he registers how door-to-door salesmen point out, "A stranger rings, a friend knocks"; he cites the wisdom of Jack Welch.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let's agree to disagree for the moment (or, let's not take this further right now) and table it for later, okay?

WikiHow

Though that plan is off the table for now, it remains unclear if Iraq will resume exports -- and, therefore, what sort of market OPEC will operate in.

The New York Times

Though the calf circumvented the dining table for now, it did not avoid the indignity of being shot with tranquilizer darts and shoveled into a horse trailer with a forklift.

The New York Times

Moves toward a more democratic system, with more power to the Parliament, or even a constitutional monarchy, are off the table, certainly for now.

The New York Times

And even new anxieties that arise are less debilitating because I know I can table them for now and raise them at the next scheduled Anxiety Party.

TechCrunch

Let's table this for now, though.

Huffington Post

(That might have been a harder sell in 2003, but table that for now).

Huffington Post

Environmental groups who brought this case to court say an appeal is on the table, though for now they are weighing all of their options. .

Huffington Post

With the immediate implementation of full communism off the table (for now), I felt it was time to take matters into my own hands.

Vice

That may be off the table for now as well — but it's not yet clear.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table it for now" when you want to postpone a discussion or decision in a meeting or formal setting without completely dismissing it. It implies a temporary delay, with the intention of revisiting the topic later.

Common error

Avoid using "table it for now" if you intend to reject the idea or proposal entirely. This phrase suggests a temporary pause, not a permanent dismissal. If the intention is to reject it, use phrases like "reject the proposal" or "decline the idea" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table it for now" functions as an idiomatic expression used to postpone discussion or consideration of a topic until a later time. It's a common way to manage meeting agendas and prioritize topics, as supported by the Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table it for now" is a common idiomatic expression used to postpone discussion or decision-making until a later time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, primarily in formal business, news, and wiki sources. While it is a useful phrase for managing time and prioritizing topics, it's important to ensure that it's not misinterpreted as a permanent rejection of the idea. Related phrases include "put it on hold" and "defer it until later", which offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure it aligns with your intention of temporary postponement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone it for the moment

Indicates delaying the discussion or action on something for a short period.

defer it until later

Suggests delaying something to a future time, often implying a more formal or indefinite postponement.

put it on hold temporarily

Implies a temporary cessation of activity or consideration.

shelve it for the time being

Indicates setting aside an idea or plan, possibly with the intention of revisiting it later.

hold off on it for now

Suggests delaying taking action on something.

suspend it for the present

Indicates temporarily stopping something.

leave it for another day

Postponing something to a different time, often implying a busy schedule.

set it aside for now

Suggests pausing consideration of something, often with the intention of returning to it.

put a pin in it

An informal way to indicate that something is being saved for later discussion.

delay consideration of it

Formally postpones the evaluation or deliberation of a specific matter.

FAQs

How do you use "table it for now" in a sentence?

You can use "table it for now" to suggest postponing a discussion or decision. For example: "Let's "table it for now" and revisit this issue in our next meeting".

What does "table it for now" mean?

The expression "table it for now" means to postpone discussion or consideration of a topic to a later time. It's commonly used in meetings and formal settings to manage time and prioritize agenda items.

Is "table it for now" formal or informal?

"Table it for now" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal settings, though it's more common in professional or business contexts. It strikes a balance between being direct and polite.

What are some alternatives to saying "table it for now"?

Alternatives to "table it for now" include phrases like "put it on hold", "defer the discussion", or "set it aside for now", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.