the whole table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the whole table" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to every part of a table, including the top, legs, and any other components. Example: The table in the dining room was a beautiful antique with intricate carvings on the legs and a polished wooden top. I could tell that the carpenter had put a lot of effort into crafting the whole table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shake up the whole table.

The New York Times

The whole table liked that.

The New York Times

The whole table must partake of it.

The New York Times

Wearing the memorial garb, the whole table erupted in song.

The New York Times

Q seemed to have the attention of the whole table.

The New Yorker

This will make vegetarians out of the whole table".

The New Yorker

A pot that serves the whole table is $12.95.

The New York Times - Food

The conversation went from involving the whole table to breaking up into smaller groups.

The New Yorker

The whole table immediately left the restaurant, their meals uneaten, never to patronize the restaurant again.

The New York Times

After some convincing, the waitress found one roll for the whole table of five.

The New York Times

"We're planning on covering the whole table with these words," Oka said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to food or items meant to be shared, use "the whole table" to indicate that the item is intended for everyone present. For example, "The appetizer is designed for the whole table to enjoy."

Common error

Avoid using "the whole table" when you actually mean "the entire tabletop". "The whole table" refers to everyone at the table or everything related to the table's purpose, not just the surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the whole table" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (often implied, such as in the context of a meal) to indicate completeness or totality. It signifies that something applies to or includes all individuals or aspects related to the table. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the whole table" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to denote either all individuals seated at a table or the entirety of the table setting. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "everyone at the table" or "the entire table" exist, the choice often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both casual and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the entire table

Replaces "whole" with "entire", emphasizing completeness.

the complete table

Substitutes "whole" with "complete", focusing on the inclusion of all parts.

the full table

Short alternative, similar to "the entire table".

the whole group around the table

Using the synonym of table group.

everyone at the table

Shifts the focus from the object to the people around it.

the entire group at the table

Adds "group" to clarify that it refers to a collection of individuals.

all persons at the table

More formal version of everyone at the table.

the aggregation at the table

Using the term aggregation.

all of the individuals seated at the table

A more detailed and formal restatement.

the setup table

Changing the adjective.

FAQs

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

"The chef recommends the tasting menu for "the whole table"" means everyone at the table should participate, or "The centerpiece occupied "the whole table"" refers to the extent of items laid on the table.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "everyone at the table", "the entire table", or "the complete table".

Is it correct to say "the entire table" instead of "the whole table"?

Yes, "the entire table" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "the whole table", and they are often interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

When should I use "the whole table" versus "everyone at the table"?

Use "the whole table" when referring to a shared experience or item meant for all at the table. Use "everyone at the table" when referring specifically to the people present.