table the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a formal context, such as meetings or discussions, to suggest postponing consideration of a particular issue or topic. Example: "During the meeting, we decided to table the question of budget cuts until next week when more information is available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The chairman of the commons public administration select committee declined to comment on whether he was seeking to table the question.

The Guardian

This takes off the table the question of whether the candidate should have stalked out and risen to challenge the thunderous orator, assuming no other parishioner comes forward and suddenly remembers that Obama was indeed there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clearly nervous about what M.R.P.'s plan would entail, five of the seven council members, including Jyl Lutes, voted to table the question for six weeks, to let the incoming council deal with it.

The New Yorker

The cohesion of the four, he commented in an interview, puts squarely on the table the question of a future fifth vote and insures high visibility for the federalism issue, "the biggest and deepest disagreement about the nature of our constitutional system," in future confirmation debates.

The New York Times

The spread of nuclear waste is a little bit like the flow of hot wax down the side of a candle on the dinner table; the question is not so much whether it will drip as whether it will stop before damaging the tablecloth.

The New York Times

Shared passions act as hubs of unification bridging stereotypes and bringing to the table the question of segregation's absurdity.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Stuart had tabled the question to seek reassurances about the legal status of foreign EU nationals once Brexit happens, in the light of comments by Theresa May.

The Guardian

3.39pm BST The Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn, who tabled the question, says Green did not say how many students were abusing the system.

The Guardian

Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem former cabinet minister who tabled the question, said of May Yesterdayay she went rogue, today she went missing".

The Guardian

In 1998, the congregation approved a compromise, allowing the rabbi to perform such ceremonies where both partners are Jewish, but tabling the question of whether such couples could have their relationships blessed during the Sabbath Torah reading.

The New York Times

Conservative Darren Millar, who tabled the question, said the changes were made to the NCF report in full knowledge of Welsh government officials who act as observers to the forum.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table the question" in formal settings like meetings or parliamentary procedures when you want to suggest postponing a discussion without causing offense. It's a more polite way of saying you don't want to deal with something right now.

Common error

Avoid using "table the question" in informal conversations. It can sound overly formal and even pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "let's put this aside for now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table the question" functions as a procedural idiom, used to suggest the temporary postponement of a topic or issue. Ludwig's examples show it in the context of formal discussions and parliamentary settings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table the question" is a formal idiom used to suggest postponing the discussion of a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but indicates it's relatively rare. Its primary contexts are in news, media, and scientific publications, and should be reserved for formal settings. For less formal situations, consider alternatives such as "postpone the question" or "defer the question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the question

Replaces "table" with a more straightforward synonym, maintaining formality.

defer the question

Similar to "postpone", but often implies a longer delay or indefinite timeframe.

shelve the question

Suggests putting the question aside, possibly permanently.

put the question on hold

Indicates a temporary suspension of discussion.

hold off on the question

Similar to putting on hold, but perhaps with more intention of revisiting it.

suspend consideration of the question

A more formal and explicit way to express postponement.

lay the question aside

Implies a temporary setting aside of the issue.

delay addressing the question

Focuses on the act of delaying a response or solution.

park the question

Informal, suggesting the question is temporarily set aside.

put the question on the back burner

Idiomatic, indicating low priority or indefinite delay.

FAQs

What does it mean to "table the question"?

To "table the question" means to postpone or defer discussion or consideration of a particular issue. It's often used in formal meetings and debates.

How do you use "table the question" in a sentence?

Example: "Due to time constraints, the committee decided to "postpone the question" and address it at the next meeting."

What are some alternatives to "table the question"?

Alternatives include "defer the question", "postpone the question", or "shelve the question" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "table the question" formal or informal?

"Table the question" is considered a formal expression, typically used in parliamentary procedure, meetings, or other structured discussions. Avoid using it in casual conversation.