a chat over lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chat over lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a casual conversation that takes place during a lunch meal. Example: "Let's schedule a chat over lunch to discuss the project updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It explains why our brains need to rest after a day spent absorbing all manner of information, from the morning news and the state of the weather, to a chat over lunch and what we must buy for tea.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And a new canteen will provide students with a place to sit and chat over lunch.

The Guardian

"It used to be you could sort of take it easy in the morning and chat over lunch and then maybe start to fire up some stories by midafternoon," said John F. Harris, editor in chief of Politico and a veteran of The Washington Post.

The New York Times

Three-wheeled tuk tuks zoom down the uneven streets past the Parque Central, where brightly attired indigenous locals peddle colourful textiles, wooden wares and traditional sweets; shoe shiners loiter; and Spanish professors chat over lunch.

BBC

Consider organizing informal meetings like lunch or just a chat over a cup of coffee to learn more about each person at the organization, even if you don't work with them directly.

WikiHow

We had a chat over the phone.

Vice

The overwhelming impression of a close encounter with Picasso is of a completely unrepressed, compulsive creator who might produce a sculpture by folding paper while chatting over lunch then paint a couple of masterpieces in his studio the same afternoon.

The Guardian - Arts

Baer says they were introduced through a mutual friend and chatted over lunch in California, where he claims he suggested to Chase the concept of a mob drama set in New Jersey.

The Guardian

"This is the cleanest campaign I can remember -- it has been nothing like in the past," said Kelly Taaffee, 42, a legal assistant as she chatted over lunch in Keene.

The New York Times

If on the other hand the adviser spends the morning reading the newspaper, 2 hours chatting over lunch with colleagues at the faculty club, and leaves for home in midafternoon, the student has a right to expect a fast turnaround.

Science Magazine

At best though, most conferences are just an opportunity to see people you haven't seen since the last conference you went to, and to discuss all the things that haven't changed while you're chatting over lunch.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a natural flow in your writing, vary your sentence structure. Instead of always saying "a chat over lunch", try alternatives like "lunchtime conversation" or "informal discussion during lunch".

Common error

Avoid using "a chat over lunch" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more structured discussion is expected. Opt for terms like "lunch meeting" or "business lunch" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chat over lunch" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the setting or context in which a conversation takes place. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing informal meetings or discussions during lunchtime.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chat over lunch" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe an informal conversation during a midday meal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While appropriate for casual settings, it should be avoided in highly formal or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "lunchtime conversation" or "business lunch" depending on the formality required. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources, indicating its general usage in describing everyday social interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lunchtime conversation

Focuses on the conversation happening during lunchtime, removing the element of informality implied by "chat".

an informal discussion during lunch

Replaces "chat" with "informal discussion", emphasizing a more structured, though still casual, exchange of ideas.

a casual conversation at lunch

Substitutes "chat" with "casual conversation", highlighting the relaxed nature of the discussion while maintaining similar meaning.

lunchtime discussion

A more concise way to describe a discussion that takes place during lunch. Omits the word 'chat' and the preposition 'over'.

a talk during lunch

Uses "talk" instead of "chat", which implies a slightly more serious or focused conversation.

a mealtime chat

Swaps "lunch" and "chat" and uses "mealtime" to encompass a broader time frame, maintaining the informal tone.

a conversation over a midday meal

Replaces "lunch" with "midday meal", adding a touch of formality while still referring to the same dining period.

a discussion while having lunch

More verbose and describes the setting a bit differently, emphasizing the activity of having lunch during the discussion.

lunch meeting

Indicates a more formal setting than a casual chat, suggesting an arranged meeting during lunchtime.

grabbing lunch and chatting

Focuses on the action of both eating and talking, rather than the structured "chat over lunch".

FAQs

How can I use "a chat over lunch" in a sentence?

You can use "a chat over lunch" to describe a casual conversation during a midday meal. For example, "Let's have "a chat over lunch" to discuss the project."

What are some alternatives to "a chat over lunch"?

Some alternatives include "a lunchtime conversation", "an informal discussion during lunch", or simply "lunchtime discussion".

Is "a chat over lunch" appropriate for formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "a chat over lunch" is more suitable for informal settings. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "lunch meeting" or "business lunch".

What's the difference between "a chat over lunch" and "a business lunch"?

"A chat over lunch" implies a casual, informal conversation, while "a business lunch" suggests a more structured meeting with a specific professional purpose. The tone and agenda are the primary differences.