Set a place at the table

[Rachel Adams]

Hello.

What is the exact meaning of the verb ''set?'' To book a place or to choose a place? Or does it mean ''to reserve a place?''

Set a place at the table.

 

[emsr2d2]

Google "set the table".

 

[Rachel Adams]

Did you have no context at all when you fond these words?

There is no context. This expression is given in the book Key Words for Fluency. ''Set a table'' is a different expression. I am trying to find ''set a place at the table.''

 

[emsr2d2]

Did you try Googling "set a place at the table"?

 

[Rachel Adams]

Did you try Googling "set a place at the table"?

I did but it shows me ''set a table'' ''not set the place.''

 

[jutfrank]

At its simplest, setting a place involves simply putting the required cutlery, often a knife and fork, on the table at the place where the diner is to sit.

And often also a chair, when there's not already a place for the person to sit.

 

[Rachel Adams]

At its simplest, setting a place involves simply putting the required cutlery, often a knife and fork, on the table at the place where the diner is to sit.

So ''I set a place for my guest at the table.'' ''I set the table for my guest.''

 

[GoesStation]

So ''I set a place for my guest at the table.'' ''I set the table for my guest.''

Yes, but "set the table" is more usually used when you're laying out all the settings, not just one.

 

[Tdol]

This could be adding an additional setting for someone who had not originally been expected.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

At its simplest, setting a place involves simply putting the required cutlery, often a knife and fork, on the table at the place where the diner is to sit.

Exactly. Someone unexpected is coming to dinner. So you need another place setting, right? So make some room between two other place settings, go get a chair, get the silverware and dishes and napkin, and put them all at the table.

There! You've set another place at the table!

 

[Tdol]

At its simplest, setting a place involves simply putting the required cutlery, often a knife and fork, on the table at the place where the diner is to sit.

At its most complex, it looks like this: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...urse_table_setting_American_overhead_view.jpg

 

[GoesStation]

At its most complex, it looks like this: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...urse_table_setting_American_overhead_view.jpg

Who posted a picture of my dining-room table?