a full meal

USAGE SUMMARY

"a full meal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a meal that is complete and satisfying, often including multiple courses or dishes. Example: After a long day at work, I was ready for a full meal. I ordered a hearty soup, a main dish with vegetables, and a decadent dessert to top it off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who needs a full meal of gluttony?

Independent

It is a full meal.

The Guardian - Travel

Each is a full meal.

The New York Times

A full meal, with wine, will be served.

The New York Times - Food

That is a full meal for under four quid.

The Guardian - Travel

A full meal might cost 300 Taiwan dollars a person.

The New York Times - Travel

So could you make a full meal of the tapas?

The New York Times

Then he apologized for not having provided a full meal.

The New York Times - Magazine

A full meal for two with wine is $40.

The New York Times - Travel

Turkish, about $20 per person for a full meal.

The New York Times - Food

I want it to be a full meal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about travel or restaurant experiences, use "a full meal" to clearly convey that the dining option includes more than just appetizers or snacks, indicating a complete culinary experience.

Common error

While "a full meal" is perfectly acceptable, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "complete repast" or "substantial fare" in highly formal writing to enhance the tone and avoid sounding too colloquial.

Linguistic Context

A full meal functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. Examples show it describing both the anticipation of eating and the cost of eating out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a full meal" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression, according to Ludwig AI, used to describe a comprehensive and satisfying dining experience. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it carries a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While "a full meal" generally signifies completeness and satiety in eating, it is important to note that alternatives like "hearty meal" or "complete repast" might be more appropriate in certain formal contexts. Using practical guidance from Ludwig, you can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hearty meal

Highlights the nourishing and filling quality of the meal, implying it is substantial and satisfying.

a square meal

An idiomatic expression referring to a wholesome and satisfying meal.

a complete repast

Replaces 'meal' with 'repast' which is a more formal word for a meal, highlighting its comprehensive nature.

a well-rounded meal

Emphasizes the nutritional balance and variety of food items in the meal.

a satisfying dinner

Focuses on the feeling of contentment derived from the meal, specifically mentioning dinner.

a wholesome meal

Highlights the health and nutritional benefits of the meal, suggesting it is nourishing and beneficial.

a substantial feast

Emphasizes the abundance and richness of the meal, suggesting a large and elaborate spread.

a filling luncheon

Specifies the type of meal as lunch and emphasizes its ability to satisfy hunger.

a multi-course dinner

Highlights the structure of the meal as comprising several distinct courses.

a generous serving

Focuses on the quantity of food served, implying a large and ample portion.

FAQs

How can I use "a full meal" in a sentence?

You can use "a full meal" to describe a complete and satisfying dining experience, such as, "After hiking all day, we were ready for "a full meal" at the restaurant."

What can I say instead of "a full meal"?

You can use alternatives like "a hearty meal", "a complete repast", or "a substantial feast" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a full meal" or "a complete meal"?

Both "a full meal" and "a complete meal" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a full meal" and "a snack"?

"A full meal" implies a substantial and satisfying serving of food, often including multiple courses, while "a snack" refers to a small amount of food eaten between meals.