waiting at the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting at the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is physically present at a table, often in a restaurant or dining setting, or metaphorically to indicate being in a state of anticipation. Example: "After placing our order, we found ourselves waiting at the table for what felt like an eternity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

All are beautifully presented and waiting at the table when guests arrive.

The New York Times - Travel

And there was no worry of having to wrestle the carcass while carving it as people were waiting at the table.

The New York Times - Food

When a customer is seated, an Android tablet will be waiting at the table.

TechCrunch

But that would have meant last-minute activity with guests waiting at the table, so I used the pastry bag to pipe near-spheres (about an inch / 25 mm across) onto a floured parchment-paper-lined sheet pan, which I placed into the freezer.

Huffington Post

Avoid waiting at the table.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A long wait outside is likely to be met with an even longer wait at the table.

The New York Times

Each time Jon sits down to a family dinner — his mother (Glenne Headly) bustling in the kitchen as his father (Tony Danza) waits at the table — the comedy feels almost ethnographic, as if you were watching a soon-to-be-extinct tribe.

The New York Times

Watch as the bacon buffs wait at the table, expecting a treat.

Huffington Post

They were all waiting at the polished table to discuss the next case.

The New York Times

His gaze wandering to a group waiting at the steam table, Jacobs interjects: Hey, see that fellow in the green shirt?

Forbes

P: This might be a little extreme, but I feel like the dog waiting at the dinner table for scraps, cause that's all we're getting.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting at the table" when you want to emphasize the act of being present and anticipating something, such as food in a restaurant setting or a meeting.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting at the table" when you simply mean being present at the table without the element of anticipation. In such cases, "sitting at the table" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting at the table" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the location and state of anticipation, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting at the table" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that describes the action of being present at a table and anticipating something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While not very common, it is found in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media. It's important to use the phrase when you intend to convey a sense of anticipation. The alternatives such as "sitting at the table" offer a means to express slightly different nuances of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting at the table

Replaces "waiting" with the more formal synonym "awaiting".

patiently waiting at the table

Adds the element of patience to the act of waiting.

remaining at the table

Focuses on the act of staying at the table.

sitting and waiting at the table

Specifies the physical action of sitting while waiting.

lingering at the table

Suggests a more relaxed or prolonged wait.

at the table in anticipation

Emphasizes the feeling of anticipation during the wait.

present at the table

Highlights mere presence rather than the act of waiting.

at the appointed table

Implies a prearranged meeting place.

standing by at the table

Suggests readiness or alertness while waiting.

biding time at the table

Implies waiting strategically for an opportune moment.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting at the table" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting at the table" to describe someone who is present and anticipating something, such as "The guests were "waiting at the table" for their meal to arrive".

What can I say instead of "waiting at the table"?

You can use alternatives like "sitting at the table", "remaining at the table", or "awaiting at the table" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "waiting at the table" or "waiting on the table"?

"Waiting at the table" implies anticipation or presence at a dining table. "Waiting on the table" usually refers to a server attending to a table.

What's the difference between "waiting at the table" and "sitting at the table"?

"Waiting at the table" suggests an expectation for something to happen, like a meal arriving. "Sitting at the table" simply indicates physical presence.