put a table cloth over the table vs put a table cloth on the table

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Put a table cloth over the table' implies covering the entire table with the cloth, while 'Put a table cloth on the table' suggests placing the cloth on top of the table. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to cover the table completely or just place something on its surface.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 3822 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when you want to cover the entire table with a cloth.

"put a table cloth over the table"

This phrase is used when you want to completely cover the table with a table cloth.

Examples:

Please put a table cloth over the table before setting it for dinner.
She carefully placed a table cloth over the table to protect it from scratches.

Show examples from the web [+]

That Chinese guy will bring the table-cloth on his own.
She wants the table cloth back.
OK, you animals, try not to eat the table cloth, Come on Ange.
When I came closer, he grabbed me, put a cloth over my face.
And he did place a large red cloth over the carrot, and then removed it and lo, he held in his hand, a white rabbit.
Sir, we need to put a military option on the table.
It also puts a new symptom on the table.
We can put a balanced meal on the table.
Put a round of drinks on the table.
The Commission has put a very sensible proposal on the table.
And we had Glocks all over the table.
Wallace literally sailed over the table. Sailed.
But you did kick over the table first.
! A dog knocked over the table.
Run your headlamp over the table again.
A dog knocked over the table.
The table shows that the price increased slightly by 3 % over the period considered.
The table above shows that production decreased significantly by 25 % over the period considered.
The table above shows that production decreased over the period considered.
The table above shows that production decreased by 14 % over the period considered.

Alternatives:

Cover the table with a table cloth
Place a table cloth over the table

This phrase is correct and commonly used when you want to place a cloth on top of the table.

"put a table cloth on the table"

This phrase is used when you want to place a table cloth on the surface of the table.

Examples:

Can you put a table cloth on the table for the party?
She always puts a table cloth on the table to make it look nice.

Show examples from the web [+]

That Chinese guy will bring the table-cloth on his own.
She wants the table cloth back.
OK, you animals, try not to eat the table cloth, Come on Ange.
Silk cloths on the tables and bird cages out on the terrace.
White cloths on all the tables for the wedding.
Put a cold cloth on your forehead.
I thought maybe you could come over and make me soup or put a cool, wet cloth on my head.
I put a cold cloth on his head.
The first thing Sasha's doing is getting the water hot to put a hot cloth on his face.
Sir, we need to put a military option on the table.
It also puts a new symptom on the table.
We can put a balanced meal on the table.
Put a round of drinks on the table.
The Commission has put a very sensible proposal on the table.
Just come down for some... table cloths.
Restaurants: table-cloths, napkins, etc.
And lastly, our friends that Morris introduced us to in the Middle East, they put a final offer on the table.
If Catherine can get him to the table, we can put a sniper in those woods behind the house.
Given that the separatists have put a call for negotiations On the table, the need for additional troops seems ill-timed.
I just... he put a $20 million offer on the table.

Alternatives:

Place a table cloth on the table
Cover the table with a table cloth

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put a table cloth over the table vs put a table cloth on the table