The book is on the table. vs The book is at the table.

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'The book is on the table' implies that the book is physically located on top of the table. 'The book is at the table' suggests that the book is near or next to the table.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 421 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"The book is on the table."

This phrase is used to indicate that the book is physically resting on the surface of the table.

Examples:

The book is on the table, right where I left it.
Please put the book on the table when you're done reading.
I found the book on the table in the living room.

Show examples from the web [+]

The book is on the table.
The book is on sale from January in the best cookware shops.
The book is on its way to the garbage room.
The book is on also in an e-book version for those who prefer reading electronic books.
The book is on sale in bookshops, on the Gangemi Editore website and on Amazon.
"The book is on the table."
The book is on Biff's dashboard.
The book is on the desk.
A complete list of the books is on-line consultable through the AAT bibliographic Catalogue.
The book is based on a course begun in 1970 by Knuth at Stanford University.
The book is currently on its 9th edition.
Marie the book is based on a position.
A little less than the first half of the book is based on the facts although changing the name from George Stinney to Linius Bragg.
The book is based on 36 designs featured at the CSS Zen Garden resource, an online showcase of CSS-based design.
Publication doesn't require that the book is sitting on a shelf at Barnes noble.
The book is working on its recovery, in a new integration that also involves the union of feminine and masculine in us.
The book is based on the strategic idea of allowing gathering and comparing operators working with groups, even when they possess dissimilar characteristics.
The book is printed on a high-quality laminated paper with a spiral binding, so it's very handy to use during any bicycle service operation.
The book is based on years of academic research and practical consulting experience, coupled with domain expert contributions.
The book is printed on Savile Row Plain paper by Fedrigoni with Bodoni font.
The book is a print-on-demand paperback book.

Alternatives:

The book is on top of the table.
The book is resting on the table.
The book is placed on the table.
The book is lying on the table.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"The book is at the table."

This phrase is used to indicate that the book is near or next to the table, rather than physically on top of it.

Examples:

The book is at the table, next to the lamp.
I left the book at the table, so you can find it easily.
She placed the book at the table before sitting down.

Show examples from the web [+]

The book is at the table.
Clearly, the book is at work here.
The book is aimed at ages 14-16 years approximately.
The book is available at the Feltrinelli and Guida bookstores.
The book is still at the same point.
The book is aimed at school teachers but it is certainly a useful reading for all those interested in promoting a physically active lifestyle among young people.
But the book is not heavy at all.
The book is aimed at presenting an innovative view of the relationship between households and housing and opening up to public debate the issues and challenges that have profoundly changed some development paradigms.
The book is targeted at designers and users of e-business systems and e-government, IT professionals who build such systems, and a wider audience of those interested in the technical background of knowledge processing for the web.
Melanie Reid, in her review of 12 Rules for Life for The Times, says the book is "aimed at teenagers, millennials and young parents".
[Note: the author of the above book is not at all sympathetic to vegetarianism, though even he has to acknowledge it.
The Kindle e-book is available at this link.
The anniversary book is now available at a discounted price.
The majority of the book however is my work at Contemporary Architecture Practice.
We answer, these objections prove that the book is not an historical account done according to later canons of historical criticism; they do not prove that the book is no history at all.
The name of the book is "Paddington at the Fair".
The book is kept at the National Library of Copenhagen and a manuscript of the same pilot book, attributed to the end of 1400, is located at the National Library in Stockholm.
is the book available at any website?
Cell is off, cocoa is on the stove, book is at my bedside.
The orders book is stable at two months, while prices have increased by 1.4 percent since the beginning of the year.
The book is so interesting and at the same time reliable from a recipe point of view, that if I had to leave for a deserted island and could only bring one cookbook with me, perhaps this is the one I would choose.

Alternatives:

The book is near the table.
The book is beside the table.
The book is next to the table.
The book is by the table.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

The book is on the table. vs The book is at the table.