a buffet dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a buffet dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes laid out on a table. Example: "The wedding reception featured a lavish buffet dinner with options for every taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Style

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a buffet dinner.

The New Yorker

It includes cocktails and a buffet dinner.

The New York Times

Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a buffet dinner will be served.

The New York Times

Or 250 for a buffet dinner at a country club.

The New York Times - Food

Cocktails and a buffet dinner will begin at 7 00.

The New York Times - Style

A buffet dinner was replaced with a raw bar.

The New York Times

Intrepid, and a buffet dinner at the Mr. Chow restaurant afterwards.

The New Yorker

The evening will include a buffet dinner, dancing, a boutique and games of chance.

The New York Times - Style

The recital is at 7, and a buffet dinner and dance will follow at 8 30.

The New York Times - Style

These Foodings take place all over France; the atmosphere is somewhere between a buffet dinner and the Woodstock festival.

The New Yorker

After the ceremony, guests dined on a buffet dinner of spring pea risotto, roast chicken and grilled swordfish.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, clarify if "a buffet dinner" is part of a larger occasion, such as a conference, wedding, or gala. This provides context for the type of food and service expected.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a buffet dinner" always implies low quality or limited choices. Modern buffets can offer high-quality, diverse culinary experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a buffet dinner" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific type of meal where guests serve themselves. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Style

20%

Food

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a buffet dinner" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it's clear if the buffet is part of a larger event. As Ludwig AI shows, it is important to avoid negative assumptions about the quality of buffet dinners, as they can offer diverse and high-quality culinary experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Buffet-style dining

This focuses on the dining style rather than the specific meal.

All-you-can-eat buffet

Highlights the unlimited aspect of the buffet.

Self-service dinner

Emphasizes the self-service aspect of the meal.

Smorgasbord

This is a Scandinavian term for a buffet-style meal, often featuring a variety of dishes.

Potluck dinner

Describes a meal where each guest contributes a dish.

Casual dinner

Focuses on the informal setting of the dinner, often implying a relaxed atmosphere.

Informal dinner

Similar to a casual dinner, but may also refer to the style of clothing or interaction.

Dinner spread

Refers to a wide variety of dishes available at dinner.

Dining buffet

Simple term describing buffet setting

Catered dinner

Specifies the dinner is provided by a catering service, it can also be offered as a buffet.

FAQs

How to use "a buffet dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "a buffet dinner" to describe a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes. For example, "The conference concluded with "a buffet dinner" in the hotel ballroom".

What can I say instead of "a buffet dinner"?

Alternatives include "buffet-style dining", "all-you-can-eat buffet", or "self-service dinner" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "a buffet dinner" or "a buffet supper"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a buffet dinner" is more common in contemporary usage. "Supper" can imply a lighter or more informal meal, but the distinction is subtle. Consider instead "a buffet supper".

What's the difference between "a buffet dinner" and "a sit-down dinner"?

"A buffet dinner" involves guests serving themselves from a selection of dishes, while "a sit-down dinner" features pre-plated meals served to guests at their tables. The former is often more casual and flexible.