When you table an item in a formal meeting, it often means choosing to postpone discussion or set aside a topic for later, depending on the region and the meaning of the phrase. In the US, it usually implies indefinite postponement, while in the UK and Commonwealth, it’s the opposite-to present the item for immediate discussion. This language originates from physically placing something on a table for consideration, giving it a visual and practical purpose.
From experience, teams often misinterpret this nuance, which can cause misunderstanding in meetings. Properly adopted, this parliamentary approach helps improve workflow and ensures every item-whether budgets, projects, or proposals handled effectively. Understanding the historical context of this phrase and its application makes your formal meetings clearer and more organized.
What Does “Table an Item” Mean?
To table an item means to postpone discussing a topic or to set it aside for later consideration. In the US, it usually implies indefinite postponement, while in the UK/Commonwealth, it often means the opposite-to present the item for immediate discussion. This phrase originates from physically placing something on a table for consideration in formal meetings.
When to Use “Table an Item”
Use table an item when you need to pause a discussion, defer a decision, or organize your meeting agenda. It is useful in situations where a topic requires further research, more information, or when other priorities must take precedence.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Table an Item”?
Yes, using a table an item is professional in formal meetings, especially in corporate or parliamentary settings. However, clarity is key-ensure your team understands whether it means postpone indefinitely (US) or present now (UK).
Pros or Cons
Pros: Keeps meetings structured, avoids rushed decisions, and allows more time for consideration.
Cons: Can confuse if the meaning differs by region. Overuse may make team members feel topics are being ignored.
Defer the Topic
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To defer the topic means to postpone discussing it to a later time while acknowledging its importance. This signals you are aware of the topic but need more preparation or context before addressing it.
Example:
“We should defer the topic of the new marketing campaign until next week, when all data is available.”
Best Use: Formal meetings, strategic discussions, and situations requiring more information.
Worst Use: When immediate decisions are needed or the topic is urgent.
Tone: Professional, respectful, and considerate.
Postpone Discussion
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To postpone discussion means to delay talking about a particular item or issue until a later time. It communicates that the subject will be addressed, but not immediately.
Example:
“Let’s postpone discussion on the budget adjustments until next Monday’s meeting.”
Best Use: Planned team meetings, review sessions, and formal corporate discussions.
Worst Use: During emergencies or time-sensitive decisions.
Tone: Neutral, professional, courteous.
Set Aside for Later
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To set aside for later implies moving the topic off the current agenda while signaling it is still important and will be revisited. It is slightly softer than saying “postpone.”
Example:
“We’ll set aside for later the discussion about office renovations until the finance team provides updates.”
Best Use: Non-urgent matters, brainstorming sessions, or planning meetings.
Worst Use: Urgent decisions or topics with deadlines.
Tone: Considerate, empathetic, and polite.
Defer Consideration
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To defer consideration means to delay formally reviewing an item until a later time, usually because more information is needed or other priorities exist.
Example:
“We will defer consideration of the new software proposal until the IT team completes their evaluation.”
Best Use: Formal corporate decision-making, board meetings.
Worst Use: Urgent decisions or crises.
Tone: Professional, deliberate, respectful.
Put on Hold
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To put on hold is a casual way to pause discussion of an item temporarily, often until further clarification is available.
Example:
“Let’s put the topic of the marketing event on hold until we receive the latest budget updates.”
Best Use: Team meetings, project planning.
Worst Use: Situations requiring immediate action.
Tone: Neutral, polite, practical.
Push Back
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To push back an item means to reschedule the discussion for a later meeting or time due to scheduling conflicts or priority changes.
Example:
“We’ll need to push back the discussion on office renovations to next week.”
Best Use: Project planning, flexible team schedules.
Worst Use: Formal meetings where postponement might seem unprofessional.
Tone: Casual, polite, clear.
Delay Review
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To delay review is to temporarily postpone examining an item until the required data or input is available.
Example:
“We should delay review of the quarterly report until all departments submit their figures.”
Best Use: Reports, documentation, or data-dependent topics.
Worst Use: Immediate decisions are necessary.
Tone: Professional, precise, considerate.
Hold Over
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To hold over is a formal parliamentary term meaning to carry forward the discussion to another session or meeting.
Example:
“This agenda item will be held over until the next board meeting for full discussion.”
Best Use: Formal parliamentary or corporate meetings.
Worst Use: Informal or urgent matters.
Tone: Formal, structured, respectful.
Table for Later
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To table for later is a softer way to set aside discussion until a more suitable time.
Example:
“We can table for later the discussion about travel policies until HR shares updated guidelines.”
Best Use: Team meetings, non-urgent agenda items.
Worst Use: Time-sensitive decisions.
Tone: Polite, thoughtful, neutral.
Shelve Temporarily
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To shelve temporarily means to put an item aside while ensuring it will be revisited later.
Example:
“We’ll temporarily shelve the new feature discussion until the product team completes testing.”
Best Use: Project planning, research discussions.
Worst Use: Critical or urgent topics.
Tone: Calm, professional, considerate.
Reserve for Later
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To reserve for later implies intentionally postponing discussion while signaling the topic remains important.
Example:
“Let’s reserve for later the conversation on client feedback until the survey results are ready.”
Best Use: Formal or informal meetings requiring thoughtful planning.
Worst Use: Topics that need immediate decisions.
Tone: Respectful, clear, patient.
Adjourn Discussion
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To adjourn discussion means to stop talking about an item until another session, often in formal meetings.
Example:
“The committee adjourned discussion on budget allocations until next Wednesday.”
Best Use: Formal meetings, parliamentary procedures.
Worst Use: Casual team huddles.
Tone: Formal, structured, official.
Suspend Consideration
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To suspend consideration means to temporarily halt reviewing an item with the intention to resume later.
Example:
“The council suspended consideration of the zoning change until more public input is received.”
Best Use: Formal organizational or parliamentary contexts.
Worst Use: Immediate action required topics.
Tone: Formal, deliberate, thoughtful.
Revisit Later
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To revisit later is to come back to an item after other priorities or additional information are addressed.
Example:
“We will revisit later the discussion on employee benefits after the HR review.”
Best Use: Team planning, projects, ongoing discussions.
Worst Use: When urgent decisions are needed.
Tone: Considerate, professional, patient.
Delay Agenda Item
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To delay an agenda item means to push back a scheduled topic to a later meeting or session.
Example:
“The CFO decided to delay agenda item three regarding capital expenditure until the next meeting.”
Best Use: Formal meetings, structured agendas.
Worst Use: Unscheduled urgent issues.
Tone: Professional, courteous, structured.
Postpone Action
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To postpone action means to delay deciding on a specific item.
Example:
“We’ll postpone action on the software upgrade until the IT assessment is complete.”
Best Use: Strategic planning, careful decision-making.
Worst Use: Crisis situations requiring immediate resolution.
Tone: Formal, thoughtful, professional.
Set Aside Temporarily
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To set aside temporarily is a gentle way to pause the discussion while preserving the importance of the item.
Example:
“We’ll temporarily set aside the review of the new policy until legal feedback is obtained.”
Best Use: Non-urgent agenda items, ongoing discussions.
Worst Use: Immediate decision-making.
Tone: Respectful, clear, neutral.
Reserve Judgment
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To reserve judgment is to hold off on deciding or discussing until more information is available.
Example:
“The manager reserved judgment on the proposal until the finance report is ready.”
Best Use: Delicate decisions, financial or legal topics.
Worst Use: Quick operational decisions.
Tone: Thoughtful, careful, professional.
Put Aside for Consideration
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To put aside for consideration means to temporarily defer discussion while keeping it on the radar for later.
Example:
“We will put aside for consideration the new hiring strategy until the HR analysis is complete.”
Best Use: Strategic meetings, detailed planning.
Worst Use: Quick or operational decisions.
Tone: Professional, thoughtful, patient.
Table for Future Discussion
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To table for future discussion signals that the item will be addressed later at a more appropriate time.
Example:
“Let’s table for future discussion of the new office layout plan until the survey results arrive.”
Best Use: Long-term planning, team meetings.
Worst Use: Urgent issues needing immediate action.
Tone: Polite, clear, structured.
Defer Decision
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To defer a decision is to postpone choosing sufficient information or resources are available.
Example:
“The board deferred decision on the investment until the market analysis is completed.”
Best Use: Board meetings, strategic planning.
Worst Use: Crisis situations requiring immediate choices.
Tone: Professional, deliberate, careful.
Delay Deliberation
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To delay deliberation means to pause careful discussion until more facts or data are ready.
Example:
“The committee delayed deliberation on the grant applications until all documents were reviewed.”
Best Use: Formal committees, boards, or councils.
Worst Use: Quick operational decisions.
Tone: Formal, structured, patient.
Suspend Discussion
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To suspend discussion is to temporarily stop talking about an item while maintaining its importance.
Example:
“The director suspended discussion on the new policy proposal until further analysis is completed.”
Best Use: Formal corporate or parliamentary meetings.
Worst Use: Urgent operational matters.
Tone: Formal, structured, professional.
Postpone Agenda Item
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To postpone agenda items is a precise way to delay discussion within a scheduled meeting.
Example:
“We will postpone agenda item four regarding marketing campaigns to the next meeting.”
Best Use: Structured meetings, team or board sessions.
Worst Use: Urgent operational issues.
Tone: Professional, courteous, clear.
Defer to Another Meeting
Definition / Meaning / Explanation:
To defer to another meeting means to reschedule discussion of an item for a future gathering or session.
Example:
“We’ll defer to another meeting the discussion about office safety protocols until HR joins.”
Best Use: Formal meetings, strategic discussions.
Worst Use: Time-sensitive or urgent topics.
Tone: Professional, polite, clear.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the ways to table an item is more than just using a phrase-it’s about effective communication and considerate collaboration. Whether you’re postponing discussion, deferring decisions, or setting aside agenda items, each alternative carries subtle nuances that can influence how your message is received. Choosing the right phrasing demonstrates professionalism, thoughtfulness, and respect for others’ time and input.
Understanding the regional differences, such as the US meaning of indefinite postponement versus the UK/Commonwealth meaning of immediate discussion, ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings. In practice, the alternatives allow you to manage meetings efficiently, keep discussions structured, and maintain focus on urgent priorities without disregarding important items.
When applied correctly, these phrases enhance team collaboration, encourage transparency, and reduce frustration in formal meetings. Using words like defer, postpone, hold over, or reserve judgment signals intentionality and respect, making your communication more empathetic and effective. Whether you are a manager, team lead, or participant, the ability to table an item thoughtfully strengthens decision-making and fosters a professional environment where everyone’s voice is considered.
Ultimately, knowing the right words and using them appropriately can turn routine meetings into productive, organized, and meaningful discussions, helping teams achieve goals efficiently while maintaining a culture of respect and clarity.
FAQs
What does “table an item” mean?
It means to postpone discussing a topic or to set it aside for later consideration, depending on the region-US or UK/Commonwealth.
Is “table an item” professional?
Yes, in formal meetings it is professional, especially in corporate or parliamentary settings, but clarify the regional meaning to avoid confusion.
When should I table an item?
Use it when a topic requires more information, research, or when other priorities need attention in a meeting.
What is the US meaning of “table an item”?
In the US, it usually means indefinite postponement of discussion, delaying action until a later time.
What is the UK meaning of “table an item”?
In the UK and Commonwealth, it often means the opposite present the item immediately for discussion.
Can “table an item” cause misunderstandings?
Yes, if participants are unaware of regional differences, the phrase can lead to confusion about whether an item is postponed or discussed immediately.
What are alternative phrases for “table an item”?
Alternatives include deferring the topic, postponing discussion, setting aside for later, holding over, suspending discussion, among others.
Is it polite to table an item?
Yes, phrasing it correctly shows consideration, professionalism, and respect for others’ time and priorities.
How do I use it in a meeting?
State clearly: “We will table this item until the next meeting,” or choose an alternative depending on urgency and context.
What is the tone when tabling an item?
The tone should be neutral, professional, respectful, and sometimes empathetic depending on the sensitivity of the topic.
Can tabling an item improve workflow?
Absolutely, it helps structure meetings, prioritize discussions, and ensures that no important item is overlooked.
Is it used in parliamentary language?
Yes, it originates from parliamentary procedures where items are formally placed on the table for discussion or deferment.
Can I table multiple items at once?
Yes, multiple agenda items can be tabled or deferred, but clarify the timing and priority for each to avoid confusion.
What’s the difference between “postpone” and “table”?
“Postpone” generally delays action directly, while table can mean either postpone or present immediately, depending on the region and context.
Why is understanding “table an item” important?
It ensures clear communication, avoids misunderstandings, maintains meeting efficiency, and demonstrates professionalism and respect for participants.
Muhammad Altaf is an English language specialist and professional content strategist with over 10 years of experience writing and teaching practical English usage, professional communication, and tone awareness. His work focuses on helping readers express ideas clearly, naturally, and confidently in real-world contexts.
