had lunch on the table vs had lunch at the table

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Had lunch on the table' implies that the lunch was physically placed on the table, while 'had lunch at the table' suggests that the lunch was eaten while sitting at the table.

Last updated: March 24, 2024

had lunch on the table

This phrase is correct and implies that the lunch was physically placed on the table.

This phrase is used when referring to the location of the lunch itself, indicating that it was placed on the table.

Examples:

I had lunch on the table before heading out.
She always puts the lunch on the table for everyone to serve themselves.

Show examples from the web [+]

Servants' lunch is on the table.
Servants' lunch is on the table.
And when she walks into school on Monday wearing that T-shirt, I'll be back to eating lunch at the table by the Dumpster.
You're also not allowed to sit at their lunch table either.
You sit at lunch table seven.
I couldn't stop thinking about what Jake said at the lunch table that day.
First she acts like she has sit privileges at my lunch table
First she acts like she has sit privileges at my lunch table just because a computer decided to make us cellmates.
That's funny, I seem to remember some Atrians coming to my lunch table yesterday asking me for help.
At the second lunch table on the left in cell block D, sit across from a 300-pound Chickasaw named Arnold.
Giving me the lunch table, he is trying to look like the good guy.
I promise no one will mention prom at our lunch table.
I usually pass among the tables during lunch and dinner, slowly.
You know, if I'm Christmas or Easter or the fourth of July, there's no way I'm letting Valentine's day sit at the lunch table.
When you're too old to exclude the undesirables from your lunch table, open a club, charge $22 for a vodka tonic, and put up a velvet rope.
All I had to do was say "I'm sorry" to Cindy and Mindy and they were practically begging me to sit at their lunch table.
Why don't you take your feet out of Clyde Tryksler's mashed potatoes there and step down off of our state-funded lunch tables and I will take you to see her myself.
Would you go tell Meg that lunch is on the table?
Today, Easter Sunday many people in Parma won't even leave the table between lunch and dinner!
Book us a table for lunch at Mercy's finest hotspot.

Alternatives:

had lunch on the patio
had lunch on the balcony
had lunch on the kitchen counter
had lunch on the floor
had lunch on the couch

had lunch at the table

This phrase is correct and implies that the lunch was eaten while sitting at the table.

This phrase is used when referring to the location where the lunch was consumed, indicating that it was eaten while sitting at the table.

Examples:

We always have lunch at the table as a family.
She had her lunch at the table while working on her laptop.

Show examples from the web [+]

And when she walks into school on Monday wearing that T-shirt, I'll be back to eating lunch at the table by the Dumpster.
Book us a table for lunch at Mercy's finest hotspot.
Servants' lunch is on the table.
Servants' lunch is on the table.
'cause there's always a team of cardiologists having lunch at the next table.
You're also not allowed to sit at their lunch table either.
You sit at lunch table seven.
I couldn't stop thinking about what Jake said at the lunch table that day.
First she acts like she has sit privileges at my lunch table
First she acts like she has sit privileges at my lunch table just because a computer decided to make us cellmates.
That's funny, I seem to remember some Atrians coming to my lunch table yesterday asking me for help.
At the second lunch table on the left in cell block D, sit across from a 300-pound Chickasaw named Arnold.
Giving me the lunch table, he is trying to look like the good guy.
I promise no one will mention prom at our lunch table.
I usually pass among the tables during lunch and dinner, slowly.
You know, if I'm Christmas or Easter or the fourth of July, there's no way I'm letting Valentine's day sit at the lunch table.
When you're too old to exclude the undesirables from your lunch table, open a club, charge $22 for a vodka tonic, and put up a velvet rope.
All I had to do was say "I'm sorry" to Cindy and Mindy and they were practically begging me to sit at their lunch table.
Even the allergy kids won't let me have lunch at their table.
Now there is a name which I think has been unfortunately omitted from those invited to lunch at HRH's table:

Alternatives:

had lunch at the park
had lunch at the restaurant
had lunch at the office
had lunch at home
had lunch at the beach

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had lunch on the table vs had lunch at the table