to secure a table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to secure a table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of reserving or booking a table at a restaurant or event. Example: "I called the restaurant ahead of time to secure a table for our anniversary dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To secure a table at a banquette, book bottle service.

The New York Times

I played two gigs in Copenhagen to secure a table at Noma.

The Guardian - Music

Get there early to secure a table on the outside terrace.

Independent

I have eaten there and I am not in the least surprised that even the law-abiding people of Shaldon would risk arrest to secure a table.

The Guardian - Travel

Although reservations generally are not required, you can call ahead to secure a table; on big game days, this is highly recommended.

The New York Times

The same menu is served in the bar - you just need to get there early to secure a table or else they take your name and you wait, propping up the bar, until one is free.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The addition of tens of thousands of delegates, lobbyists and journalists with the simultaneous subtraction of fleeing natives may wind up having a modest but palpable impact when it comes to securing a table at the hottest restaurants.

The New York Times - Food

If there are to be more than two at the meal, try to secure a round table which will encourage everyone to participate equally in conversation and save heads swivelling like Wimbledon spectators.

The Guardian - Money

Given Andy Carroll's departure to Liverpool and injuries to key players, Pardew believes Newcastle - promoted last season - have done well to secure a mid-table spot.

BBC

He became known as a can-do, open-hearted guy who was always ready to help, whether it was on behalf of a charity or to secure a last minute table at Nobu.

The New York Times - Food

Allardyce's post-survival manifesto will concentrate on trying to secure a comfortable mid-table finish but first he must relegate Benítez and Alex Neil.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to secure a table", consider the context. If you want to emphasize prior planning, "to reserve a table" might be more appropriate. If you want to emphasize the difficulty in obtaining a table, "to snag a table" could be a better choice.

Common error

While "to secure a table" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using "secure" in overly casual contexts where simpler verbs like "get" or "book" would sound more natural. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to secure a table" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial of purpose, explaining why an action is taken. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe the goal of obtaining a reservation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to secure a table" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the act of obtaining a reservation, often implying some degree of effort or planning. While synonymous with phrases like "to reserve a table" or "to book a table", "to secure a table" maintains a neutral register suitable for informative content. Remember to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly casual settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reserve a table

This alternative focuses on the act of reserving a table in advance.

to book a table

This alternative is a common synonym for reserving a table.

to get a table

This alternative is more general and refers to obtaining a table, not necessarily in advance.

to obtain a table

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of acquiring a table.

to arrange a table

This alternative highlights the act of making arrangements for a table.

to guarantee a table

This alternative emphasizes ensuring that a table will be available.

to ensure a table

Similar to 'guarantee', this means to make certain a table is available.

to snag a table

This alternative implies getting a table, often when it's difficult or competitive.

to grab a table

This alternative suggests quickly and easily obtaining a table.

to lay claim to a table

This alternative suggests asserting one's right to a table, often in a crowded environment.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "to secure a table"?

Common alternatives include "to reserve a table" or "to book a table", which are frequently used and easily understood in most contexts.

Is it more formal to say "to secure a table" or "to get a table"?

"To secure a table" is generally considered more formal than "to get a table". The latter is more casual and suitable for informal situations.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to secure a table"?

The phrase "to secure a table" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the effort or planning involved in obtaining a reservation, especially at a popular or exclusive venue. In less competitive scenarios, "to get a table" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "to secure a table" and "to ensure a table"?

"To secure a table" focuses on the act of obtaining the table, whereas "to ensure a table" emphasizes making certain that a table will be available. They are very similar, but "ensure" has a slightly stronger implication of guaranteeing availability.