collocation · informal
set the table
/sɛt ðə ˈteɪbəl/set the TA·ble
Band 4-5speakingtask2
to arrange plates, cutlery, and glasses on the table before a meal
Examples
“Can you help me set the table while I finish the salad?”
“Children often learn to set the table as a basic chore.”
“She set the table with candles for the special dinner.”
Band 8 sentence
“Before guests arrived, she carefully set the table with elegant cutlery and crystal glasses.”
Collocations
- set the table for dinner
- help set the table
Word family
set verbset adjtable noun
Common mistakes
put the table→set the table
set table→set the table
Say it for a higher band
5put the table→6lay the table→7+set the table
Synonyms
lay the table
Easily confused
clear the table
“After dessert they cleared the table and washed the dishes.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Food & Cooking
Learn it with its set