a gala dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gala dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a formal event or celebration that includes a dinner, often for fundraising or special occasions. Example: "The charity organization is hosting a gala dinner to raise funds for local schools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We met Andrea that evening at a gala dinner.

The Guardian

The finale will be a gala dinner for 450 guests from all over the world.

The Economist

The schedule features wine salons, a tasting and a gala dinner and wine auction.

The New York Times

The conference will culminate in a gala dinner featuring local and organic food.

Yale University

Two years later, he sat at Mr. Putin's elbow at a gala dinner in Moscow.

The New York Times

On 1 December she sat next to Henry Kissinger at a gala dinner in New York.

The Guardian

"Then a little visit to Greenport, a gala dinner in a mansion and back to Kennedy.

The New York Times

At a gala dinner in June, 600 guests turned out to celebrate Mada's first anniversary.

The Guardian

"Our daughter started menstruating last week," Steven mentions to a colleague, at a gala dinner.

The New Yorker

"All the girls expected a party with a gala dinner," Ms. Lo Mele reported.

The New York Times

And last Saturday, the club organized a day of golf and a gala dinner to honor the anniversary.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gala dinner" when you want to convey a sense of elegance and importance. It's suitable for describing events that are formal, celebratory, and often involve fundraising or recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "a gala dinner" to describe casual dining experiences. This phrase is best reserved for formal occasions. Using it inappropriately can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gala dinner" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of event. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gala dinner" is a noun phrase used to describe a formal and celebratory dining event, often associated with fundraising or awards. Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. While suitable for formal settings, it should be avoided in informal contexts to prevent sounding pretentious. Alternatives include "a formal dinner" or "a charity dinner", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. Understanding its register and appropriate usage will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gala banquet

Replaces 'dinner' with 'banquet', implying a larger and more elaborate meal.

a charity dinner

Specifies that the dinner is organized to raise money for a charitable cause.

a fundraising dinner

Similar to "a charity dinner", emphasizing the fundraising aspect.

a formal dinner

Focuses on the formality of the event, without necessarily implying a celebration.

an awards dinner

Highlights that the dinner is part of an award ceremony.

a celebratory dinner

Emphasizes the celebratory nature of the dinner.

a black-tie dinner

Indicates a very formal dress code for the dinner.

a state dinner

Refers to a formal dinner hosted by a head of state.

a fancy dinner

Uses a more informal adjective to describe the dinner, suggesting elegance.

a grand feast

Emphasizes the abundance and extravagance of the meal.

FAQs

How can I use "a gala dinner" in a sentence?

"A gala dinner" is used to describe a formal, celebratory meal, often for fundraising or special recognition. Example: "The organization hosted "a gala dinner" to raise money for cancer research."

What are some alternatives to "a gala dinner"?

Alternatives include "a formal dinner", "a charity dinner", or "an awards dinner", depending on the specific context.

Is "a gala dinner" the same as "a banquet"?

While similar, "a gala dinner" often implies a specific purpose, such as fundraising or celebration, while "a banquet" ("a gala banquet") simply refers to a large, formal meal.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a gala dinner"?

Use "a gala dinner" when referring to a sophisticated, formal dinner event, typically associated with fundraising, awards, or other significant celebrations. Reserve it for occasions that warrant a high degree of elegance and formality.