we table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we table" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to propose postponing or setting aside a discussion or motion for later consideration. Example: "We table the motion until the next meeting." Alternative expressions include "we postpone" and "we set aside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Do the bands get a seat at the "we" table, while our figuring-out needs are met?

The Guardian - Music

Child: I think this is a good first step, but why don't we table this topic for the time being and discuss it at our next meeting.

The New Yorker

I'd like to check with the committee whether it's OK if we table that point until we finish with the other items on our agenda".

Forbes

The innovation we table is to model the unobserved decision to participate and the observed choice of participation decision (that is, either selling at farmgate or selling at a market centre).

Agricultural and Food Economics

It is not believed that the observed protein turnover is driven by changes in systemic hormones as we (Table 2) and others [13], [28] have not been able to show changes in a range of potent hormones except from insulin, which previously has been found to be increased after hypoxic exposure [28].

Plosone

Also, we (Table 3) and others have noted that there may well be regional base composition effects that can affect codon usage.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's not like we were debating this and we tabled the budget".

The New York Times

We tabled discussions on future plans until after his last game".

The New York Times - Sports

We tabled the marriage and dog discussions for the moment, and laid Joan to rest.

Huffington Post

We tabled a package of 75 amendments.

EU Parlament

If we have a table, we'll seat them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we table" to formally suggest postponing a discussion or decision in a meeting. Ensure the context is appropriate for formal language.

Common error

Avoid using "we table" in informal conversations. Opt for phrases like "let's discuss this later" or "can we put a pin in this?" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we table" functions as a verb phrase used to propose the postponement of a discussion or decision. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage in various contexts, including formal meetings and general discussions, for the purpose of setting aside a topic for later consideration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we table" is used to suggest postponing a discussion or decision for later consideration. While Ludwig AI considers the phrase grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and more appropriate in formal settings such as meetings or professional discussions. Alternatives like "let's postpone this" or "let's defer this" can be used depending on the specific context. Therefore, it's important to consider the formality of the situation when choosing to use the phrase "we table".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'll table it until later

Rephrases the original with a slight variation in word order and includes specific time.

let's postpone this

Focuses on the act of delaying the discussion.

let's defer this

Implies putting off the discussion to a later time, often more formal.

we'll shelve this for now

Suggests temporarily setting aside the topic without a specific future date.

we'll put this on hold

Indicates a temporary suspension of the discussion.

let's hold off on this

Similar to putting on hold, but emphasizes delaying action.

let's suspend this discussion

A more formal way of suggesting to halt the current conversation.

let's set this aside temporarily

Highlights the temporary nature of setting the topic aside.

we'll park this for the moment

Informal way to indicate temporarily delaying discussion.

let's leave this for later

Simplifies the suggestion to delay the conversation to another time.

FAQs

What does it mean to "we table" a discussion?

To "we table" a discussion means to postpone it for a later time. It's often used in formal settings like meetings to set aside a topic temporarily.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we table"?

It's appropriate to use "we table" in formal meetings or discussions when you want to suggest that a topic be postponed until a later time. It implies a temporary setting aside of the issue.

What can I say instead of "we table"?

You can use alternatives like "let's postpone this", "let's defer this", or "we'll shelve this for now" depending on the context.

Is "we table" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

No, "we table" is not a common phrase in everyday conversation. It is more frequently used in formal settings like meetings or official discussions. In informal contexts, phrases like "let's talk about this later" are more appropriate.