two tables away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two tables away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance or proximity between two tables, often in a social or dining context. Example: "I saw her sitting two tables away from me at the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

We were seated two tables away.

The New York Times

I can pick up a conversation two tables away.

The Washington Post

"But who are you going to sue?" asks a frail, elderly lady two tables away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He recalled sitting two tables away from her at the studio's commissary.

The New York Times

Mr. Harwood was sitting two tables away with the whites and Indians.

The New York Times

A woman two tables away from me the other tables were now empty spoke to me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He was sitting three tables away from Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday evening.

The Washington Post

Richard DeAgazio, a retired investor and club member from the Boston area, was about six tables away.

The Washington Post

Four tables away sat the Sun, a select circle gathered around editor David Dinsmore.

The Guardian

Four tables away, Jocelyn Bell, 26, perched in front of a tangerine-and- white Macintosh Powerbook that matched her orange-and-blond-streaked ponytail.

The New York Times - Style

Dates coughing into hands, picking noses when they thought I wasn't looking, asking to meet in a bar where their ex is on a date three tables away, and displaying wildly varying levels of acceptable table manners; at times, I have felt I was watching my very own wildlife documentary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "two tables away" to clearly indicate a short distance between two points, typically in a dining or social setting, ensuring the context is understood by your audience. For example, "I overheard their conversation from "two tables away"".

Common error

Avoid using "two tables away" when the actual distance is significantly more or less. Be precise with your descriptions to prevent misinterpretations of proximity, especially when accuracy is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two tables away" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of location, modifying a verb or clause to specify the distance or position of someone or something relative to the speaker. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in describing where someone was sitting or what could be heard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two tables away" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate a short spatial distance, most frequently in News & Media. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and usability in written English. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately representing the distance to avoid misinterpretations. For alternative phrasing, consider "a couple of tables over" for a less precise indication. Overall, "two tables away" is a useful tool for adding detail and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of tables over

Indicates a similar proximity, focusing on a small number of tables rather than specifying the exact number.

separated by two tables

Highlights the act of separation, emphasizing the physical barrier.

at a distance of two tables

More formal way to express the separation, emphasizing the measurement of distance.

two tables distant

A more concise and slightly archaic way of expressing the same distance.

across two tables

Suggests a viewing perspective or interaction occurring over the space of two tables.

two tables from here

Defines the location relative to the speaker's current position.

two tables in the distance

Emphasizes that the location is not immediately adjacent but further away.

two tables onward

Suggests a direction or progression in space, moving past two tables.

two tables further

Emphasizes additional separation or distance.

a span of two tables

Focuses on the space or area occupied by two tables.

FAQs

How can I use "two tables away" in a sentence?

You can use "two tables away" to describe the location of someone or something relative to you in a setting with tables, such as a restaurant. For example, "I saw my friend sitting "two tables away" from me."

What are some alternatives to "two tables away"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a couple of tables over", "separated by two tables", or "at a distance of two tables", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "two table away" instead of "two tables away"?

No, it is incorrect. You should use the plural form, "two tables away", because you are referring to more than one table.

What is the difference between "two tables away" and "a few tables away"?

"Two tables away" is more specific, indicating a precise distance. "A few tables away" is less precise and indicates a general proximity without specifying the exact number of tables.