a real meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real meal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the authenticity or substantial nature of a meal, often in contrast to something perceived as less satisfying or substantial. Example: "After a long day of hiking, I was craving a real meal, not just a snack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Health & Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Then have a real meal within two hours.

The New York Times - Sports

If uptown Jews wanted a real meal, Ms. Ziegelman writes, they knew what to do.

The New York Times - Books

— Jeff Gordinier Slate: Don't eat at your desk today; go out and enjoy a real meal.

The New York Times

Add the veggies and cheese and you've got a real meal in coach.

The New York Times - Travel

One should be enough to tide you over to a real meal.

The New York Times - Food

At the end, they want to sit down and have a real meal in a nice environment".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

When Mr. Morse's kitchen is wiped clean, other teams are just setting out in search of a restaurant, often for their first real meal of the day.

The New York Times - Food

Some nights, even though I am the only adult eating, I cook a real adult meal.

The New York Times

Villar makes a real bloody meal of plucking the ball from the sky, but does so, eventually.

The Guardian - Sport

Her mother is the author of the cookbooks "Piatto Unico: When One Course Makes a Real Italian Meal" and "Seafood alla Siciliana".

The New York Times

Maria Hernandez, who taught Spanish, and also offered to cook a real Spanish meal at the home of one of her pupils Ethel Evans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real meal" to contrast it with snacks or less substantial food options, emphasizing the completeness and satisfaction it provides.

Common error

Avoid using "a real meal" in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "substantial meal" or "complete nourishment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real meal" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It signifies a complete and satisfying eating experience, often contrasting with less substantial options like snacks. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Food

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a real meal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a complete and satisfying dining experience. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While generally appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "substantial meal" or "complete nourishment". It is frequently found in News & Media and Food-related content, emphasizing a contrast with snacks or less fulfilling food choices. The frequency analysis indicates its usage is common, and authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Huffington Post provide numerous examples of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial meal

Focuses on the quantity and filling nature of the meal.

a proper meal

Highlights the correctness and completeness of the meal, implying it meets certain standards.

a complete meal

Emphasizes that all necessary components are present, making it nutritionally balanced.

a satisfying meal

Focuses on the emotional and physical fulfillment derived from the meal.

a hearty meal

Implies the meal is large, filling, and often rustic or traditional.

a square meal

An older idiom suggesting a nourishing and adequate meal.

a full-course meal

Highlights the elaborate nature of the meal with multiple courses.

a home-cooked meal

Emphasizes that the meal is prepared at home, often implying care and quality ingredients.

a sit-down dinner

Focuses on the act of sitting down and having a formal or relaxed meal.

a wholesome meal

Highlights the health benefits and nutritional value of the meal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real meal" to describe a substantial and satisfying dining experience, contrasting it with snacks or lighter fare. For example, "After the hike, we were ready for "a real meal"."

What are some alternatives to "a real meal"?

Alternatives include "a substantial meal", "a proper meal", or "a complete meal", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a real meal" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a real meal" may sound too informal for academic or business contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated language such as "a substantial repast" or "complete nourishment".

What is the difference between "a real meal" and "a snack"?

"A real meal" implies a more complete and filling dining experience, often including multiple courses or food groups, designed to satisfy hunger and provide sustained energy. A "snack", by contrast, is usually a smaller, less substantial food item consumed between meals.