a sitdown dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sitdown dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a formal meal where guests are seated at a table, typically involving multiple courses. Example: "We are hosting a sitdown dinner for our family and friends to celebrate our anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There'll be a sitdown dinner.

The New Yorker

"You turn up late for a sitdown dinner at my house.

The New Yorker

SO this is how to throw a sitdown dinner party for your 350 closest friends.

The New York Times - Style

In previous years it has been a sitdown dinner but this was a milling-about party with mouse-sized food.

The Guardian - Arts

On December 14th, Stewart had her own Christmas party, a sitdown dinner for almost a hundred people at the downtown restaurant Chanterelle.

The New Yorker

He once invited my wife, Margaret, and me to a black-tie dinner at his home — a sitdown dinner for sixty people, many of them the kind of stars about whom it's often said, "You're kidding, I didn't know he was still alive!" "I've got a surprise for you, kiddo," he said to me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He once invited my wife, Margaret, and me to a black-tie dinner at his home a sitdown dinner for sixty people, many of them the kind of stars about whom it's often said, "You're kidding, I didn't know he was still alive!" "I've got a surprise for you, kiddo," he said to me.

The New Yorker

Hyland might as well have asked the late Leonid Brezhnev for a sitdown.

The New York Times - Sports

Imagine a sitdown between Steinbrenner and Harvey Schiller, the chairman of YankeeNets, the parent company of the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) feared the residents would mount a sitdown protest on the road to block the Orangemen's path.

The Guardian

All of which required a bit of a sitdown, which, fortunately, is the easiest position in which to listen to music.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sitdown dinner" to clearly indicate a formal meal where guests are seated at a table, differentiating it from buffet-style or casual dining.

Common error

Avoid using "a sitdown dinner" when describing a casual or informal meal, as it implies a higher degree of formality and structured seating than may be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sitdown dinner" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a formal meal setting. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing events and dining arrangements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sitdown dinner" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a formal, seated meal, confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a specific type of dining experience, differentiating it from casual or buffet-style meals. It is mostly used in News and Media contexts, but can appear in a Wiki or Formal Business contexts. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "formal dinner" or "seated dinner" to fine-tune the level of formality. Remember to reserve "a sitdown dinner" for events where a higher degree of formality and structured seating are intended. As Ludwig examples indicate, "a sitdown dinner" is suitable for events where the meal is served to seated guests, emphasizing formality and structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formal dinner

Focuses on the formality of the dinner setting.

Seated dinner

Emphasizes the seating arrangement during the dinner.

Black-tie dinner

Specifies a dress code, indicating a high degree of formality.

Dinner party

Highlights the social gathering aspect of the dinner.

Elegant dinner

Highlights the refined and sophisticated nature of the dinner.

Formal banquet

Suggests a large and ceremonious dinner event.

Plated dinner service

Refers to a specific style of serving food.

Festive dinner

Implies that the dinner is part of a celebration.

Sit-down meal

A more general term for any meal where people are seated.

Catered dinner

Focuses on the fact that the dinner is provided by a catering service.

FAQs

What does "a sitdown dinner" mean?

The term "a sitdown dinner" refers to a formal meal where guests are seated at a table and served, typically involving multiple courses. It implies a more structured and elegant dining experience compared to a buffet or casual meal.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a sitdown dinner"?

Use "a sitdown dinner" when describing events such as formal parties, weddings, corporate dinners, or any occasion where a formal dining arrangement is intended. It's best used when the meal is served to seated guests.

What can I say instead of "a sitdown dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "formal dinner", "seated dinner", or "black-tie dinner" depending on the level of formality and context.

What is the difference between "a sitdown dinner" and "a buffet dinner"?

"A sitdown dinner" involves guests being seated and served at a table, while a buffet dinner involves guests serving themselves from a selection of dishes. The former is generally more formal and structured than the latter.