about lunchtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about lunchtime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time frame that is near or around the time when lunch is typically eaten. Example: "Let's plan to meet at the café about lunchtime to discuss our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

We're aiming to be in Denver by about lunchtime.

The Guardian

TABOOS about lunchtime caviar at a Russian kindergarten.

The New Yorker

An announcement would probably be made about lunchtime.

The Guardian - Sport

"Regarding Nicholas' comment about lunchtime drinking," says Richard Twitchett.

The Guardian - Sport

The New Yorker, August 18 , 1980P. 27 Talk story about lunchtime at Battery Park.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, September 5, 2005 P. 117 TABOOS about lunchtime caviar at a Russian kindergarten.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

You'll probably be better off looking for potential dates when people are in down mode than rushing about at lunchtime or at peak home time.

WikiHow

"It's a terrifically fun and interesting building," says Raban, now setting about a lunchtime plate of halibut and chips at Ray's Café, overlooking Salmon Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

I have often read articles in Science Times about Botox, lunchtime face-lifts and a host of other facial enhancements ("A Stranger in the Mirror").

The New York Times - Science

4.48pm BST 101st over: Sri Lanka 348-4 (Sangakkara 133, Mathews 41) The truth about the lunchtime Jedi invasion: they're the Christ's Hospital Marching Band.

The Guardian - Sport

He told her about the lunchtime complaint in the dining room of Mastyn's because it was a natural thing to do; she said she'd wondered why he looked upset and then said anyone would be, a horrible thing to happen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning events, use "about lunchtime" to suggest a flexible meeting time, allowing attendees to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "about lunchtime" to define a precise appointment; it suggests an approximate timeframe, not a fixed time. For specific times, state the hour directly (e.g. "1:00 PM").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about lunchtime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It specifies a time near the typical lunch period, not necessarily a precise moment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about lunchtime" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate an approximate time near midday. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to act as an adverbial phrase, providing a flexible timeframe for events or activities. While versatile across various contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business and Wiki as illustrated by Ludwig's analysis. For more formal writing, more precise language may be preferred. Remember to use it to suggest a general time, and not a specific appointment. Alternatives include "around midday" or "near noon" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around midday

Indicates a time approximately at the middle of the day, similar to when lunch is typically eaten.

near noon

Specifies a time close to 12:00 PM, which is the typical time for lunch.

at approximately lunchtime

Adds emphasis on the approximation of the time, mirroring the original phrase.

middayish

Informal term suggesting a time close to midday, like "about lunchtime".

close to lunchtime

Highlights the proximity to the standard lunchtime period.

during the lunch hour

Refers to the period usually allocated for a lunch break.

at lunch

A shorter expression indicating an event that occurs during lunchtime.

around 1 PM

Indicates the specific hour corresponding to the lunchtime period.

in the early afternoon

Specifies the beginning of the afternoon, generally associated with lunchtime.

noontime

A synonym for midday, indicating when lunch is typically eaten.

FAQs

How can I use "about lunchtime" in a sentence?

You can use "about lunchtime" to indicate an approximate time around midday, like in the sentence, "Let's meet "about lunchtime" to discuss the project".

What are some alternatives to saying "about lunchtime"?

You can use alternatives such as "around midday", "near noon", or "approximately lunchtime" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at lunchtime" or "about lunchtime"?

"At lunchtime" refers to the general period when lunch is typically eaten. "About lunchtime" implies a less precise time, suggesting it is close to, but not necessarily exactly during, that period.

What does "about lunchtime" imply regarding the exact time?

"About lunchtime" suggests the time is approximate, indicating it could be slightly before or after the typical time people have lunch, usually between 12 PM and 1 PM.