table the work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table the work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a formal context to mean to postpone or set aside a discussion or task for later consideration. Example: "During the meeting, we decided to table the work on the new project until we have more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As in, really, everything: your couch, curtains, kitchen table, the works.

Forbes

A sign on the table advertised the work simply as, "Spray art".

The New York Times

Most of the data is stored in only a few very large tables complicating the work of database administrators even further.

VLDB '02: Proceedings of the 28th International Conference on Very Large Databases Hong Kong SAR, China 20–23 August 2002

Casual employment often becomes under-the-table work; the arrangement has become a way of life in the construction industry.

The New Yorker

For instance, windowsills are excellent for smaller items and other horizontal areas (book shelves, top of the piano, coffee tables, end tables) work for the remaining larger items.

WikiHow

"The Greeting Table" -- The table works with the EyeaRe glasses to introduce a newcomer to a table.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The table for the working dinner was set with eight chairs on each side, each with fine china, a water glass and two wine glasses.

The Guardian

My husband and I are running out of money, even with the under-the-table work I have in Bergamo.

Vice

The blade passes through the table on which the work is laid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mario Batali, in the kitchen at Otto last week, said it was not until after World War II that such dishes moved to the tables of the working class.

The New York Times - Food

But the US would not come to the table to work on the climate crisis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table the work" in formal settings where a decision needs to be made to postpone a task or discussion for a later time. It is suitable for meetings, committees, or project management scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "table the work" in casual conversations. It sounds overly formal and may not be well-understood. Opt for simpler alternatives like "let's put this off" or "we'll get to it later".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table the work" functions as a directive, indicating a decision to postpone or defer a particular task or project. Because there are no examples, we are deducing its usage from its constituent parts. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table the work" is a phrase used to suggest formally postponing a task or discussion for a later time. Although grammatically correct, Ludwig's lack of real-world examples indicates that it may be less common. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "postpone the task" or "defer the work", particularly in professional contexts. Be mindful of the formality and choose simpler language for casual settings. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase itself is grammatically sound, the context dictates its appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone the task

Replaces "table" with "postpone" and "work" with "task", maintaining the meaning of delaying something.

defer the work

Substitutes "table" with "defer", suggesting a formal postponement.

shelve the project

Uses "shelve" instead of "table" and "project" instead of "work", implying putting something aside, possibly indefinitely.

put the work on hold

Replaces "table" with "put on hold", indicating a temporary suspension of the work.

suspend the work

Substitutes "table" with "suspend", suggesting a temporary interruption.

hold off on the work

Uses "hold off on" instead of "table", indicating a delay in starting or continuing the work.

set aside the task

Replaces "table" with "set aside", implying that the work is being deliberately kept separate for later.

adjourn the work

Substitutes "table" with "adjourn", which suggests a temporary suspension, typically in a meeting context.

delay the task

Uses "delay" instead of "table", indicating a postponement to a later time.

put off the work

Replaces "table" with "put off", suggesting procrastination or delaying something due to reluctance.

FAQs

How can I use "table the work" in a sentence?

You can use "table the work" to suggest postponing a task. For example: "During the meeting, we decided to "table the work" on the marketing proposal until next quarter."

What does "table the work" mean?

"Table the work" means to postpone or set aside a task or discussion for later consideration. It implies a deliberate decision to delay the matter to a future time.

What can I say instead of "table the work"?

You can use alternatives like "postpone the task", "defer the work", or "put the work on hold" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "table the work"?

The phrase "table the work" is appropriate in formal situations such as meetings, committees, or project management discussions, where a decision needs to be made to postpone a task or discussion.