set the table
/sɛt ðə ˈteɪbəl/
Meaning
To set the table means to arrange plates, utensils, glasses, and napkins on a table before a meal. It is a common household chore and is used in everyday family life. The tone is completely neutral.
Examples
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Can you please set the table? Dinner is almost ready.
Can you please set the table? Dinner is almost ready.
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The kids usually help set the table for Thanksgiving dinner.
The kids usually help set the table for Thanksgiving dinner.
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I need to set the table before the guests arrive.
I need to set the table before the guests arrive.
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Who is going to set the table tonight, you or your brother?
Who is going to set the table tonight, you or your brother?
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She set the table with her best plates and silverware.
She set the table with her best plates and silverware.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Can you prepare the table for dinner?
✓ Can you set the table for dinner?
While 'prepare the table' is understandable, 'set the table' is the natural, idiomatic phrase used by native speakers.
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✗ I need to put the table.
✓ I need to set the table.
The verb 'put' cannot be used here. The correct collocation is always 'set'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Dinner will be ready in five minutes, so please go ___.
💡 Put the plates and forks out.
Show answer
set the table
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My job is to ___ and my brother's job is to wash the dishes.
💡 Prepare the dining area before eating.
Show answer
set the table