setting the table vs laying the table

Both 'setting the table' and 'laying the table' are correct phrases used to describe the action of preparing a table for a meal. They are interchangeable and convey the same meaning.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 726 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the action of arranging dishes, utensils, and other items on a table before a meal.

"setting the table"

This phrase is used when someone is preparing a table for a meal by placing dishes, utensils, and other items in their appropriate places.

Examples:

I'll start setting the table for dinner.
She enjoys setting the table with fancy napkins and centerpieces.

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Jessi, would you mind setting the table for me?
Okay, I don't need your attitude about setting the table, okay?
Can I start setting the table?
Mind setting the table?
Go finish setting the table.
But you let half your life slip by without anything but sleeping, cooking, and setting the table, and lo and behold, that's all you're good for.
That attractive young lady setting the table is Megan Whitney.
I'm sorry, we're just setting the table for dinner.
If you want to make yourself of some use, you can finish setting the table.
Why are you setting the table for two?
He's setting the table with Brody's lies.
She's setting the table and he's upstairs trying to get rid of that raccoon.
That's Dean doing the ironing, Harry's setting the table, and that's Rob making breakfast.
And that's just not setting the table, okay?
Okay, I don't need your attitude about setting the table, okay?
We're setting the table.
Would you mind setting the table for three?
I need your help setting the table!
Are you setting the table?
He might be setting the table for an insanity defense.

Alternatives:

preparing the table
arranging the table

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the action of arranging dishes, utensils, and other items on a table before a meal.

"laying the table"

This phrase is used when someone is preparing a table for a meal by placing dishes, utensils, and other items in their appropriate places.

Examples:

Could you help me with laying the table for the party?
She's busy laying the table with the good china.

Show examples from the web [+]

We're laying the table in the corner with the patterned glasses.
Children must get to grips with proper eating habits in terms of the quality and quantity of food and laying the table.
I'm laying the table.
Come on, I was laying the table.
My men are just re-laying the tables.
And stop leaving the gun there laying on the table, man.
She was laying on the surgery table The hospital couldn't wait any longer
Based on the results of a number of recent studies on this, it was considered appropriate to revise the table laying down the time limits for the different product categories and the various types of packaging technology.
Foolishly laying our hearts on the table Stumblin' in
With this own-initiative report, Parliament is laying its cards on the table and delivering a solid text to the Commission.
Listen, I'm the one laying open on the table here,
dual-purpose chicks: chicks intended either for laying or for the table;
Our love is alive And so we begin Foolishly laying our hearts on the table Stumblin' in Our love is a flame Burning within...
It was me that you saw laying on that table.
A liquor store owner Laying on this table - I'm guessing he doesn't get attitude.
Table laying and napkin folding, although that got a bit entertaining in the wind!
The following table laying down the physical and chemical characteristics of the product is added:
So someday I'll be dead, laying on a table like that?
You have been presented with tables laying out the number of arrests versus the number of convictions?
Laying on the table...

Alternatives:

setting the table
preparing the table

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setting the table vs laying the table