tabled a motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tabled a motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or legislative discussions, to indicate that a proposal or motion has been formally presented for consideration. Example: "During the meeting, the committee chair tabled a motion to approve the new budget for the upcoming fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has tabled a motion in the Lords which will not lead to a vote.

The Guardian

An earlier version stated that Alastair Ross tabled a motion to further tighten the abortion ban.

The Guardian

Corbyn announces he is tabled a motion of no confidence in Theresa May personally.

The Guardian

Labour has tabled a motion proposing its plan for a close economic relationship with the EU.

The Guardian

The Tory party tabled a motion to lift the Westminster government's ban on sales of beef on the bone.

The Economist

Mulholland had previously tabled a motion in parliament highlighting the importance of the school to the local community.

The Guardian

Britain's prime minister, Lord Palmerston, quietly tabled a motion in his cabinet to recognize the Confederacy, partly in response to the pressure from the Garibaldians.

The New York Times

When filmmaker  Michael Cockerell made a Panorama featuring politicians with reservations about the war, Tory MPs tabled a motion accusing the BBC of "anti-British bias".

Independent

At the Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow last month, many activists were angry at the party's support for the spare room subsidy and tabled a motion.

Independent

At the start of that meeting Charlton tabled a motion asking that TV revenues be redistributed more equably to assist the poorer clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

Today, Ken Clarke has tabled a motion announcing that the UK is opting out of an EU directive guaranteeing access to a lawyer upon arrest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tabled a motion", ensure the context is formal, such as in parliamentary proceedings, formal meetings, or debates. This phrase is most appropriate when a formal proposal is being presented for consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "tabled a motion" in informal settings or everyday conversations. It's a term best reserved for scenarios where parliamentary or formal procedures are being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tabled a motion" functions as a verb phrase within the context of formal meetings, parliamentary procedure, or debates. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tabled a motion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in formal contexts, primarily within news, academia, and business settings. Ludwig AI underlines its validity and usability. It serves to formally introduce a proposal for consideration in structured environments, such as parliamentary procedures or formal meetings. When using this phrase, ensure the setting is appropriate for its level of formality. Alternatives such as "submitted a proposal" or "put forward a motion" can be used, depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented a motion

Uses "presented" as a more straightforward alternative to "tabled".

proposed a motion

Directly states the action of proposing a motion.

offered a motion

Similar to 'proposed', indicating the act of providing a motion for consideration.

introduced a motion

Formal way of announcing and presenting a motion.

submitted a proposal

Replaces "motion" with a more general term, "proposal", indicating a formal suggestion.

put forward a motion

Uses a more descriptive verb, "put forward", to convey the act of presenting the motion.

introduced a resolution

Replaces "motion" with "resolution", suggesting a formal statement of opinion or decision.

advanced a motion

Implies moving a motion forward for consideration.

lodged a motion

Uses "lodged" indicating the motion has been officially registered or filed.

brought forth a motion

More formal and emphatic way of saying a motion was presented.

FAQs

What does "tabled a motion" mean in a political context?

In a political context, "tabled a motion" means that a formal proposal has been presented to a legislative body for consideration and debate. It's a procedural step to bring an issue to the floor.

How can I use "tabled a motion" in a sentence?

You can use "tabled a motion" in a sentence like this: "The opposition party "tabled a motion" of no confidence in the government."

What are some alternatives to "tabled a motion"?

Alternatives to "tabled a motion" include "submitted a proposal", "put forward a motion", or "introduced a resolution", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to say "tabled a motion" or should it be "tabled the motion"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Tabled a motion" is more common. "Tabled the motion" refers to a specific motion that has been previously mentioned or is otherwise clear from context.