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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

what's on table
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For me, it's more about who's at the table and what's on the table, not what's in the glass," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

He went on, "Nowadays, people pay much more attention to what's underneath the table than what's on the table".

News & Media

The New Yorker

But before anyone assumes the worst, let's look at what's on the table.

News & Media

The New York Times

"At this point, the mayor's bill is what's on the table and we're still completely behind that".

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's not what's on the table, it's who's at the table.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Let's look more closely at what's on the table.

News & Media

The New York Times

But what's on the table shows where the GOP's head and heart is.

News & Media

Vice

Yasir, that's what's on the table!

News & Media

The New York Times

You have to accept what's on the table.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

What's on the table in the Obama household?

News & Media

The Guardian

But that's not what's on the table.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this expression metaphorically to refer to proposals, offers or issues currently being negotiated in a professional setting.

Common error

Avoid dropping the article in formal writing; while "what's on table" might appear in shorthand or headlines, standard prose requires "what's on the table".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

In standard English, the phrase "what's on the table" (of which the query is an elliptical form) functions as a noun clause or an interrogative construction. According to Ludwig AI, it typically acts as the subject or direct object of a sentence to identify specific items or ideas being presented.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Less common in

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what's on table" is a common search variant for the established idiom "what's on the table". Based on Ludwig's analysis, the expression is heavily utilized in News & Media to describe legislative bills, negotiation points and literal dining scenarios. While the shortened query lacks the necessary definite article for formal prose, the semantic meaning remains clear. Writers should ensure they use "what's on the table" in all professional communications to maintain grammatical standards. Ludwig AI highlights that the most effective use of this phrase is in identifying options currently available for selection or debate.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's on the table

Restores the required definite article for standard English usage

what is being offered

Clarifies the meaning in a negotiation or business context

under consideration

Uses a more formal prepositional phrase to describe current proposals

what's up for discussion

Highlights the conversational or debate aspect of the items

the current proposal

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a specific noun phrase

on the agenda

Implies a more structured or scheduled list of items

what's available

Broadens the scope to include any options or items present

what's at stake

Focuses on the importance or risk of the items being discussed

what is on the menu

A specific literal alternative for culinary or dining contexts

current options

Provides a concise plural alternative for choice-based scenarios

FAQs

Is it correct to say "what's on table"?

No, it is generally considered grammatically incomplete. You should use "what's on the table" to be correct in standard English.

What does the idiom "on the table" mean?

It refers to something that is "under consideration" or available for discussion, often in a negotiation.

Can I use "what's on the table" in a formal report?

Yes, it is widely accepted in professional contexts, though you might prefer "the current proposals" for even greater formality.

What's the difference between "what's on the table" and "what's on the menu"?

While both can be literal, "what's on the table" is usually a metaphor for negotiations, whereas "what's on the menu" usually refers to food options.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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what's on tableGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

what's on table
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples