table
A1 (noun), B2 (verb)Neutral - Common across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used for placing objects on or for working at.
A set of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns; to formally present something for discussion or consideration (verb); to postpone consideration of a matter (verb, especially US).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core noun sense is highly concrete and imageable. The 'tabular data' sense is a dead metaphor. The verbal senses are polysemous and regionally distinct: UK 'table' = propose; US 'table' = postpone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Verb meaning: In British English, to 'table' a motion/document means to present it for discussion. In American English, it typically means to postpone or suspend consideration of it indefinitely.
Connotations
The verb has opposite procedural implications in formal contexts (UK: active/begin; US: delay/end). The noun is identical.
Frequency
The noun is extremely high-frequency in both regions. The verb is more common in political, academic, or business contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
table somethingtable something for something (e.g., for discussion/vote)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn the tables”
- “drink someone under the table”
- “on the table (under discussion)”
- “under the table (clandestine)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To table a report (UK)/a discussion (US); earnings table; boardroom table.
Academic
Data table; table of results; to table findings.
Everyday
Kitchen table; book a table; clear the table.
Technical
Hash table (computing); truth table (logic); water table (geology).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister will table the amendment tomorrow.
- They tabled a motion of no confidence.
American English
- The committee voted to table the controversial bill.
- Let's table this issue until we have more data.
adverb
British English
- The food was served table d'hôte.
adjective
British English
- He's a table tennis champion.
- We need more table lamps.
American English
- She bought a table-top grill.
- The table wine was surprisingly good.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The book is on the table.
- We eat dinner at the kitchen table.
- I need to clean the table.
- Please set the table for six people.
- You can find the dates in the table on page five.
- They reserved a table at the new Italian restaurant.
- The data was presented in a clear and concise table.
- The opposition party tabled a question about healthcare funding. (UK)
- Negotiations broke down and both sides walked away from the table.
- The geneticists consulted the periodic table of elements.
- Fearing a negative vote, the chairman moved to table the motion indefinitely. (US)
- The report laid bare the complex web of under-the-table payments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A TABLE is sTABLE; it has a flat, stable surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS TABULAR ARRANGEMENT (e.g., 'table of duties'), DISCUSSION IS A SHARED SURFACE (e.g., 'put it on the table').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'table' (стол, таблица) with 'plate' (тарелка).
- The verb 'to table' has opposite meanings (внести предложение (UK) vs. отложить рассмотрение (US)).
- The idiom 'under the table' means тайно, неофициально, not просто под столом.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'Sit on the table.' (Correct: 'Sit at the table.')
- Using the wrong regional verb sense in international meetings (e.g., an American saying 'Let's table it' expecting agreement, but a Briton hears 'Let's postpone it').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'turn the tables' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is overwhelmingly more common as a noun (A1 level). The verb uses are less frequent (B2) and more context-specific.
It stems from different parliamentary procedures. In the UK, to 'table' meant to bring something to the table (the Table of the House) for discussion. In the US, it came to mean to lay something aside on the table, effectively shelving it.
A 'desk' is a type of table specifically designed for reading, writing, or working, often with drawers. A 'table' is more general-purpose (eating, meeting, displaying items). You work *at* a desk, but you eat *at* a table.
Yes, in compound nouns where it describes the type, location, or use of a table (e.g., table lamp, table manners, table leg) or in fixed phrases like 'table wine' (wine of ordinary quality).