a meal of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a meal of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the type of food or dish that is being served or consumed. Example: "For dinner, we enjoyed a meal of grilled salmon with asparagus and quinoa."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

After a meal of such substantial food, desserts failed to tempt.

The New York Times

Make a meal of Shakespeare's Romeo.

The New Yorker

I could make a meal of them.

The New York Times

Not to themselves a meal of meat.

The New Yorker

England made a meal of their reply.

The Guardian - Sport

I could have made a meal of them alone.

The New York Times

It was virtually a meal of liquid beef.

The New York Times

You could easily make a meal of starters and desserts.

The New York Times

I typically regurgitate a meal of blood for you.

The Guardian - Opinion

At war's end they cooked him a meal of steak.

The New Yorker

Could you make a meal of tapas alone?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a meal, be specific about the food items included to provide a clear and vivid picture for the reader. For example, instead of saying "a meal of food", specify "a meal of pasta and meatballs".

Common error

Avoid using overly broad terms like "stuff" or "things" when describing "a meal of" something. Be precise with your language to create a more appealing and informative description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a meal of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a complement or object within a sentence. It specifies the constituents or type of food that comprises a meal. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a meal of" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to describe the composition of a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a variety of sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to be specific when using it, avoiding vague descriptions. For alternative expressions, consider using "a serving of" or "a dish of" for more nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serving of

Focuses on the portion size or quantity of food served.

a dish of

Emphasizes the prepared food item or recipe.

a plate of

Highlights the presentation and arrangement of food on a plate.

a portion of

Similar to "a serving of", stressing the amount of food.

a course of

Refers to a specific part of a multi-course meal.

a helping of

Implies an offer or request for food.

a taste of

Indicates a small sample or experience of a particular food.

a banquet of

Suggests a large, elaborate and ceremonial meal.

a culinary experience of

Emphasizes the overall sensory and cultural aspects of the meal.

sustenance consisting of

Highlights what provides nutrition and support life.

FAQs

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

You can use "a meal of" to describe the contents of a meal, for example, "We had "a meal of spaghetti" and garlic bread".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a meal of"?

Alternatives include "a serving of", "a dish of", or simply listing the components of the meal, such as "We ate pasta and salad".

Is it more formal to say "a repast of" instead of "a meal of"?

Yes, "a repast of" is generally considered more formal and old-fashioned than "a meal of". Use "a repast of" in contexts where a higher degree of formality is desired.

What's the difference between "a meal of" and "making a meal of"?

"A meal of" describes the composition of a meal, while "making "making a meal of"" usually means exaggerating something or spending an excessive amount of time on it.