table manner

USAGE SUMMARY

"table manner" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to the proper way of conducting oneself while eating at a table, for example, "Having good table manners is important in any social gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Botswana's leaders had common interests but had not "engaged one another in a round table manner to find solutions," according to Banusi Mbaakanyi, Chief Commercial Officer from the Economic Diversification Unit of the Botswana Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Huffington Post

In addition to following Japanese tradition, this table manner will reduce bacteria that can spread when multiple people eat from the same bowl or plate.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The terrible table manners.

The New York Times

Good table manners?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Table manners are arbitrary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has abysmal table manners.

The New York Times

She had atrocious table manners.

The New Yorker

We have no table manners.

The New York Times - Food

He had excellent table manners.

The New York Times - Books

I learned a few table manners.

The New York Times - Magazine

One offered, jokingly, "good table manners".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about social situations, use "table manner" to clearly indicate the specific expected behaviors during dining. For example, "Teaching children good table manners is crucial for their social development."

Common error

Avoid using "table manner" when referring to general social etiquette. "Table manner" specifically addresses behavior at the dining table, not overall politeness.

Linguistic Context

"Table manner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the customary and expected behaviors during dining. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both positive and negative aspects of dining etiquette.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table manner" is a noun phrase denoting expected dining behaviors. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and offers real-world examples. Though relatively rare, the phrase is widely understood and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To enhance your writing, remember to use "table manner" to specifically address dining etiquette, avoiding its misapplication to general politeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dining etiquette

Focuses on the broader set of rules governing behavior at the table.

Proper etiquette at the table

Emphasizes the correctness and appropriateness of behavior during dining.

Mealtime behavior

Refers to the conduct exhibited during a meal, encompassing more than just etiquette.

Social graces at dinner

Highlights the social skills and polite behaviors expected during a dinner.

Dining room decorum

Highlights the required politeness and discipline in a dining setting.

Eating habits

Describes the customary ways a person eats, which may or may not be considered proper.

Formal dining rules

Refers to the specific guidelines followed in formal dining settings.

Cutlery usage

Specifically refers to the correct way to use knives, forks, and spoons.

Acceptable eating practices

Focuses on practices that are considered socially acceptable while eating.

Mealtime protocol

Implies a set of established procedures or customs for dining.

FAQs

How can I improve my "table manner"?

Improving your "table manner" involves practicing proper etiquette, such as chewing with your mouth closed, not reaching across the table, and using utensils correctly. Observing others and taking etiquette courses can also help.

What are some examples of bad "table manner"?

Examples of poor "table manner" include talking with your mouth full, making loud noises while eating, using your phone at the table, and reaching across others for food.

What can I say instead of "good table manner"?

You can use alternatives like "dining etiquette", "mealtime behavior", or "acceptable eating practices" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "table manner" or "table manners"?

Both "table manner" and "table manners" can be used, though "table manners" is more common when referring to the general set of rules. "Table manner" is suitable when referring to a specific aspect or instance of etiquette.