a sumptuous spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sumptuous spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an elaborate and lavish arrangement of food, typically at a banquet or feast. Example: "The wedding reception featured a sumptuous spread of gourmet dishes, desserts, and fine wines that delighted all the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Imagine if we could all step out of our hectic lives, for three hours at a time, to enjoy a sumptuous spread of cakes and scones and sandwiches!

The New Yorker

I'd drawn the piano player, and a sumptuous spread with striped blue wallpaper, golden crown moldings, and a heavy red and gold damask coverlet.

The New York Times - Travel

There was a time, said Brian McGlynn, a Pfizer spokesman, when attendees would be treated to a sumptuous spread of smoked salmon and other goodies.

The New York Times

Or head to Hasir, a Kreuzberg institution, for a sumptuous spread of Mediterranean-style grilled meats, fish and small meze plates.

The Guardian - Travel

"What a sumptuous spread".

Huffington Post

He shared his story over a sumptuous spread made by local activists in Martinez' gracious colonial-era home, just a block from the empty plaza and historic Spanish cathedral at the heart of Cerro San Pedro.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Not toast and coffee, but a sumptuous feast.

Huffington Post

You can shop from Doug's Vegetable Patch to the Sagaponack General Store to Loaves and Fishes' gourmet take-out to the Sagpond Vineyard for a sumptuous summer spread.

The New York Times

For a sip, we retire to Filippo's charming masseria and sit down to a sumptuous farmhouse spread: sweet capocollo ham, globes of creamy burrata, crispy taralli (bread rings) and bruschetta drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.

Independent

Mr. Day called that sumptuous spread "the peak of my career," adding that it's typical his greatest triumphs have occurred in American museums.

The New York Times - Arts

As I fall into a 30percentt federal and state bracket, the additional write-off works out to a savings of $600 -- not monumental moola, but likely enough to cover several sumptuous spreads of my favorite paella at a Zagat-recommended restaurant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a meal or buffet, use "a sumptuous spread" to convey the richness and abundance of the food. This phrase is especially effective when you want to emphasize the luxurious or celebratory nature of the occasion.

Common error

Avoid using "a sumptuous spread" to describe everyday meals or casual gatherings. Its formal tone can sound out of place if the situation doesn't warrant such elevated language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sumptuous spread" functions as a noun phrase, where "sumptuous" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "spread". It typically serves to describe something elaborate and abundant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Food

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sumptuous spread" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a lavish and abundant display, often of food. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and indicates its usage in varied contexts. The phrase, as analyzed, leans towards a formal tone and is frequently found in news and media sources. While there are no major grammatical errors associated with its use, it's best reserved for situations where its elevated tone is fitting. Alternatives include "a lavish array" or "a magnificent feast".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lavish array

Replaces "sumptuous spread" with a more general term for a rich and impressive display.

an opulent display

Substitutes "sumptuous" with "opulent", emphasizing the luxurious nature of the spread.

a magnificent feast

Replaces "spread" with "feast", highlighting the scale and grandeur of the meal.

an extravagant buffet

Specifies the type of spread as a buffet, emphasizing its abundance and variety.

a generous offering

Focuses on the abundance and hospitality implied by the spread.

a delightful spread

Replaces "sumptuous" focusing on the pleasant nature of the food.

a rich assortment

Highlights the variety and quality of the items in the spread.

a plentiful display

Emphasizes the large quantity of items presented.

a bounteous arrangement

Suggests an abundant and well-organized display.

a premium selection

Highlights the high quality and carefully chosen nature of the items.

FAQs

How can I use "a sumptuous spread" in a sentence?

You can use "a sumptuous spread" to describe a lavish and abundant display of food, such as: "The wedding reception featured "a sumptuous spread" of gourmet dishes."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sumptuous spread"?

Alternatives include "a lavish array", "an opulent display", or "a magnificent feast", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sumptuous" only used to describe food?

While often used to describe food, "sumptuous" can also describe other things that are rich, luxurious, or grand, such as "a sumptuous room" or "a sumptuous fabric".

What is the difference between "a generous spread" and "a sumptuous spread"?

"A generous spread" emphasizes the quantity and abundance of food, implying hospitality. "A sumptuous spread", on the other hand, emphasizes the richness, luxury, and high quality of the food.