table the motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table the motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal settings, such as meetings or parliamentary procedures, to indicate that a proposal or motion is being set aside or postponed for later discussion. Example: "During the meeting, the committee decided to table the motion regarding the budget until the next session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Evans tried twice to table the motion.

The Washington Post

"I move to table the motion," she says.

The New Yorker

When it came time to vote, Natalie Gofez-Velez of the Bronx beat the chancellor to the punch, and moved to table the motion.

The New York Times

Wellington Z. Chen, another board member who voted to table the motion, said: "It was like when a car comes at you at 100 miles an hour.

The New York Times

However, Blunt said he would only table the motion if he got 100 signatures from MPs, in order to give cover to those who backed it against "retribution" from the Speaker.

The Guardian

Mr Lidington tells MPs that the government will tonight table the motion that the House will debate tomorrow.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Collins has tabled the motion on behalf of his committee.

The Guardian

Corbyn tabled the motion immediately after Tuesday night's vote, having previously declined to confirm the timing.

The Guardian

Taif Alkhudary, who tabled the motion, said: "G4S is infamous for its involvement in human rights violations across the world.

Independent

Government sources said they had partly picked up Wright's proposal after MPs found themselves unable to table a motion of no confidence in the Speaker unless the government tabled the motion.

The Guardian

He will be replaced by Pedro Sánchez, the leader of Spain's opposition socialist PSOE party, which tabled the motion to unseat him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table the motion" in formal meeting settings when you want to postpone discussion without killing the motion entirely. It suggests the topic might be revisited later.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "tabling" a motion (which means to postpone or set it aside) with "presenting" or "introducing" a motion (which means to bring it up for discussion).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table the motion" functions as a procedural directive within formal settings. Ludwig AI data confirms it is commonly used to temporarily postpone or suspend discussion on a proposal. This allows for revisiting the topic at a more opportune time or after gathering additional information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table the motion" is a formal phrase used to postpone discussion on a motion, typically in meetings or parliamentary settings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and formal contexts. When writing, it's important to distinguish between "tabling" a motion (postponing it) and "presenting" a motion (introducing it). Alternatives include "postpone the motion" or "defer the motion". Using this phrase correctly demonstrates understanding of formal procedures and effective communication in structured environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lay the motion on the table

A more formal and somewhat archaic version of the original phrase, carrying the same meaning.

Postpone the motion

Replaces "table" with a more straightforward synonym, maintaining the formal tone.

Defer the motion

Similar to "postpone", but implies a slightly more indefinite delay.

Delay action on the motion

Specifically highlights the postponement of any action related to the motion.

Suspend the motion

Emphasizes a temporary halt to the motion.

Set aside the motion

A more direct alternative, indicating that the motion is being temporarily disregarded.

Shelve the motion

Implies putting the motion aside, possibly with the intention of not revisiting it.

Put the motion on hold

More informal than "table", but communicates the same idea of temporary suspension.

Hold off on the motion

Suggests a temporary waiting period before addressing the motion.

Adjourn the motion

Focuses on ending the discussion of the motion, potentially for later reconsideration.

FAQs

What does it mean to "table a motion"?

To "table a motion" means to postpone or suspend consideration of it. It's a procedural move to set the motion aside, often with the possibility of bringing it up again at a later time.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "table the motion"?

It's appropriate in formal settings such as meetings, parliamentary procedures, or debates when a decision is made to postpone discussion on a particular motion. For example, if more information is needed or the timing isn't right.

What are some alternatives to saying "table the motion"?

You can use alternatives like "postpone the motion", "defer the motion", or "suspend the motion" depending on the context.

Is "table the motion" a formal or informal expression?

It's a formal expression typically used in structured meetings and parliamentary procedures. In more informal settings, you might use phrases like "let's put this on hold" or "we can come back to this later".