a meal with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a meal with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you are referring to a meal that involves more than one person. For example, "I enjoyed a meal with my friends at the new restaurant in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A meal with noodles?

The New York Times

It's a meal with meaning.

The New York Times - Travel

A meal with wine is included.

The New York Times - Food

Have you shared a meal with the campers? A. Yes.

The New York Times

He had a meal with each of the three.

The New Yorker

Cap off a meal with cheeses or sweets.

The New York Times

(Huffington denies having had a meal with Welsh).

The New Yorker

A meal with beer, about $15 a person.

The New York Times - Travel

That probably depends on the candidate viewed as being more fun to share a meal with.

The New York Times

There he sat down for a meal with Livni and her husband, Naftali.

The New Yorker

And while he never takes himself too seriously, he approaches a meal with rigor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a meal with", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what the meal is being shared or accompanied with. For example, "a meal with friends" is clearer than just "a meal".

Common error

Avoid using "a meal with" in contexts where it's unclear what the meal consists of or who it's being shared with. Be specific about the food or the company to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a meal with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjunct to modify a noun or verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate accompaniment or inclusion, specifying what or whom the meal involves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a meal with" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a dining experience in relation to its components or companions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in wikis and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the meal consists of or who it is being shared with. Remember, you can use alternatives such as "dining with" or "sharing a meal with" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharing a meal with

Emphasizes the aspect of sharing food and companionship during the meal.

a dinner with

Specifically refers to the evening meal in a social context.

a supper with

Similar to "a dinner with", though often implies a more casual or intimate setting.

a luncheon with

Specifically refers to a midday meal in a social context.

dining with

Focuses on the act of dining in company, emphasizing the shared experience.

eating with

A simpler way to express the act of consuming food in someone's presence.

feasting with

Suggests a large, elaborate meal shared with others.

to dine alongside

Implies eating in the physical presence of someone, often with a formal connotation.

a dish with

Highlights the ingredients and components included in a specific dish or meal.

to have food together

A more generic way of describing the act of eating in company.

FAQs

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

You can use "a meal with" to describe dining experiences. For example, "I had "a meal with" my family" or "The dish is "a meal with" rice and vegetables".

What are some alternatives to "a meal with"?

Some alternatives include "dining with", "sharing a meal with", or simply "eating with", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a meal with"?

Yes, it is correct to say "a meal with". It is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a meal accompanied by something or someone.

What's the difference between "a meal with" and "dining with"?

"A meal with" emphasizes the composition of the meal or who you're sharing it with, while "dining with" primarily focuses on the act of eating in the company of someone.