a table

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   A piece of furniture with a flat top supported by legs, used for eating, working, or putting things on.

   Grammar: Use 'a table' for one; the plural is 'tables'.

   Patterns

   • a table for two
   • sit at a table
   • put something on a table

   We reserved a table for four at the restaurant.

   She left the keys on a table near the door.

   He bought a table for his new apartment.

2. 2phrasecountable

   A set of facts or numbers arranged in rows and columns, especially in a book or document.

   Grammar: Often used with 'in': shown in a table, presented in a table.

   Patterns

   • in a table
   • a table of contents
   • a table of figures

   The results are presented in a table at the end of the report.

   Please refer to a table in the appendix for the full data.

   The book includes a table of contents at the front.

Word forms

Common combinations

a table for two

We asked for a table for two by the window.

set the table

Can you set the table while I finish cooking?

a table of contents

The table of contents lists all the chapters.

clear the table

Please clear the table after dinner.

a coffee table

She put the magazine on the coffee table.

Synonyms and how they differ

desk

A desk is a table used for writing or working, often with drawers; a table is more general and often used for eating.

chart

A chart is a visual display of data, often using lines or bars; a table uses rows and columns of numbers.

Word family

tablecloth noun

A cloth used to cover a table.

tabletop noun

The flat top surface of a table.

tabular adjective

Arranged in the form of a table.

Commonly confused: a table or tablet?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a table”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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