under the table that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the table that" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete thought or phrase that lacks context for proper usage. Example: "The agreement was made under the table that no one would know about it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Funnily enough, it was the scene under the table that caused a lot of discussion.

The Guardian - Arts

What they are not aware of is the ticking time bomb that has been placed under the table that shows one minute until exploding (tension).

Huffington Post

Sometimes the previous patron has stuffed something under the table that is actually making things worse, not better.

WikiHow

(You can put them off under the table, that gives possibilities…) Will you be walking a little more or stand for a while, choose shoes that are comfortable or promise yourself to keep smiling at all costs.

WikiHow

They'll do stuff under the belt, under the table, that nobody knows about".

The Guardian

"I'd argue anyone under the table that that dish is Welsh," Barrett says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Attitudes also play a big part, technology executives say, since transactions conducted over networks have a kind of transparency that is anathema to the cozy relationships and under-the-table deals that have long characterized business in the region.

The New York Times

But the larger problem is, if you have these under-the-table deals that give the Russians permission to do these things, it gives the signal that it's O.K. to do other things".

The New York Times

To prop up the under-the-table businesses that inevitably evade such crackdowns?

The New York Times

The under-the-table market that moves an estimated $20 million per day may be illegal but it's hardly hidden.

The New York Times

Your organization may have a job-posting system but still fill most openings through under-the-table recruiting that bypasses official channels.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to something done secretly or illicitly, use the phrase "under the table" without adding "that". For example, say "The payment was made under the table" instead of "under the table that".

Common error

Do not add "that" after the phrase "under the table". The phrase already conveys the meaning of secrecy or illegality, and adding "that" makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the table that" attempts to function as an adverbial modifier, aiming to describe the manner in which an action is performed. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect, so it fails to effectively modify the verb. The correct form should omit "that".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the table that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. The correct and commonly accepted form is "under the table", which signifies something done secretly or illicitly. While the search results show some instances of the phrase, it's advisable to avoid using "under the table that" in favor of its shorter, correct counterpart or other synonyms like "secretly" or "covertly" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. The phrase appears in News & Media and Wiki, however the best practice to avoid mistakes is to use it without adding the word "that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the table

This is a shorter version of the query, omitting "that".

secretly

Focuses on the aspect of secrecy or concealment.

covertly

Highlights the element of acting in a hidden or disguised manner.

illegally

Emphasizes the aspect of breaking the law.

unofficially

Suggests lacking formal recognition or approval.

under the radar

Implies avoiding attention or scrutiny.

in secret

Highlights the aspect of concealment or confidentiality.

off the books

Suggests not being recorded or accounted for.

without transparency

Focuses on the lack of openness or visibility.

by means of under-the-table agreements

Highlights the use of unofficial and often illicit agreements.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "under the table" in a sentence?

Use "under the table" to describe something done secretly or illicitly. For instance, "The deal was done "under the table"" means the deal was not transparent or legal.

What does "under the table" mean?

The idiom "under the table" signifies something done in a secretive, dishonest, or illegal manner, often to avoid detection or oversight.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under the table that"?

No, it's not grammatically correct. The correct idiom is simply "under the table" without the addition of "that".

What are some alternative phrases to "under the table"?

Alternatives include "secretly", "covertly", or "off the books", depending on the specific context.