clear the table

Meaning

'Clear the table' means to remove dirty dishes, plates, cups, cutlery, and leftover food from the dining table after a meal is finished, usually to wash them or clean the dining area.

Examples

• After we finished dinner, my brother helped me clear the table.

  After we finished dinner, my brother helped me clear the table.

• Could you please clear the table and put the dirty dishes in the sink?

  Could you please clear the table and put the dirty dishes in the sink?

• It is polite to help your host clear the table after a dinner party.

  It is polite to help your host clear the table after a dinner party.

• The waiter came to clear the table as soon as we put down our forks.

  The waiter came to clear the table as soon as we put down our forks.

• I will wash the dishes if you clear the table first.

  I will wash the dishes if you clear the table first.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Please clean the table of the dishes.

  ✓ Please clear the table.

  While 'clean the table' means to wipe it down with a cloth, 'clear the table' specifically means to physically remove the items (dishes, glasses) from it.

• ✗ I will clear table after I finish my drink.

  ✓ I will clear the table after I finish my drink.

  You need the definite article 'the' because you are referring to a specific dining table.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Kids, please ___ before you go to play video games.

  💡 Remove the plates and cups after eating.

  Show answer

  clear the table

• In our house, whoever doesn't cook has to ___ and wash the dishes.

  💡 Take away the dirty dishes from where you ate.

  Show answer

  clear the table