table stakes

USAGE SUMMARY

"table stakes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase used to refer to the minimum required to be competitive in a particular situation. For example: "When it comes to online customer service, responding quickly to customer feedback is the table stakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The table stakes for November are booming.

The New York Times

Now you're talking table stakes worth playing for -- with a little geek chic thrown in.

The New York Times

But integrating core and complex technologies is table stakes in technology business especially in smartphones.

The New Yorker

A certain level of intelligence is required as table stakes, so to speak.

The New York Times

"Having a built-for-mobile Web site is table stakes," Mr. Spero said.

The New York Times

It is simply the table stakes of playing in the biggest game going.

The New York Times

One problem for such people is that the table stakes for starting a digital media company are getting seriously big.

The Guardian

Not the usual ten-and-twenty poke, but table stakes with a couple of brass hats from Washington sitting in.

The New Yorker

"Having a popular mobile messenger is simply going to become table stakes for competing in the mobile era".

The Guardian - Tech

In 2011, a smartphone is no longer a newfangled doodad — it's table stakes for the modern world.

The New York Times - Tech

We've got to have really smart people here — that's kind of the no-brainer table stakes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table stakes" to emphasize that certain elements are no longer differentiators but are now fundamental requirements. For example, in tech, "having a mobile-friendly website is table stakes."

Common error

Avoid using "table stakes" when discussing aspirational goals or stretch targets. This phrase should be reserved for describing the basic prerequisites for participation or competition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table stakes" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a predicate nominative or object, signifying the essential requirements or minimum standards necessary to compete or participate in a particular field. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Tech

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "table stakes" is an idiomatic expression used to denote the minimum requirements or basic expectations necessary to participate or compete effectively in a given field. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's particularly prevalent in business, technology, and media contexts, where it serves to highlight features or investments that are no longer differentiators but are instead prerequisites. Alternatives like "basic requirements", "minimum standards", and "essential criteria" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and is widely recognized across various authoritative sources, emphasizing its current importance in contemporary professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic requirements

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the requirements.

minimum standards

Focuses on the lowest acceptable level of performance or quality.

essential criteria

Highlights the crucial factors that must be met.

entry-level necessities

Implies the basic needs to even begin competing or participating.

bare minimum

Indicates the absolute least that is needed.

price of admission

Suggests that something must be possessed or achieved to gain access.

required investment

Highlights the need to put in effort or resources as a precondition.

foundational elements

Emphasizes the base upon which something else is built.

baseline expectations

Focuses on what is normally expected as a starting point.

indispensable features

Highlights the features that are so important that they cannot be done without

FAQs

How can I use "table stakes" in a sentence?

You can use "table stakes" to describe the minimum requirements or basic expectations in a particular situation. For example: "In today's market, a strong online presence is "table stakes" for any business."

What can I say instead of "table stakes"?

You can use alternatives like "basic requirements", "minimum standards", or "essential criteria" depending on the context.

Is "table stakes" formal or informal language?

"Table stakes" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in business and tech discussions. The level of formality depends on the specific audience and purpose.

What does "table stakes" mean in a business context?

In a business context, "table stakes" refers to the minimum investments or capabilities required to participate in a particular market or industry. These are the things that every competitor must have just to be in the game.