What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
table
Example
We sat around the table to enjoy our meal. [table: noun]
Example
I'll table this discussion until we have more information. [table: verb]
Example
Here's a table showing the sales figures for the past year. [table: noun]
counter
Example
The cashier stood behind the counter to ring up customers' purchases. [counter: noun]
Example
The team's strategy was to counter their opponents' moves. [counter: verb]
Example
She made a counter-argument to his proposal. [counter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Table is more commonly used than counter in everyday language. Table is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while counter is more specific and often used in professional or specialized settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between table and counter?
Both table and counter can be used in formal and informal contexts, although counter may be more associated with professional or business settings.