an early supper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early supper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a meal that is eaten earlier than the usual dinner time. Example: "We decided to have an early supper so we could enjoy the sunset together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Sometimes, for an early supper, we broiled sausage on a hibachi.

The New Yorker

After an early supper in the rig, or an occasional campwide potluck dinner, there is more strolling and chatting.

The New York Times

Going back for an early supper up at the bar, of artichoke, courgette, rocket and spinach salad topped with good chunks of creamy, lemony goat's cheese (£6.40).

Independent

Arum has used their cordial relationship as a selling point, which is why he brought them to an Italian restaurant on Chambers Street for an early supper.

The New Yorker

Then it's back to the Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills for an early supper and to go through our haul of fossils – often echinoids, gastropods and belemnites.

The Guardian - Travel

We had an early supper while she was performing and hung around in the green room until the interval to beg her forgiveness.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The early supper menu was a good value.

The New York Times - Travel

Stein and her lifelong partner, Alice B Toklas, had lunch at about noon and ate an early, light supper.

The Guardian

In Everybody's Autobiography, Stein confirmed that she had never been able to write for much more than half an hour a day, but added, "If you write a half-hour a day, it makes a lot of writing year by year". Stein and her lifelong partner, Alice B Toklas, had lunch at about noon and ate an early, light supper.

The Guardian

GOLDA All-day dining from breakfast to early supper is what Danny Nusbaum, whose family owns Pick a Bagel, is offering at this cafe bearing his grandmother's first name.

The New York Times - Food

It pays to eat early here; diners who order by 7 p.m. can take advantage not just of happy-hour prices, but also of the restaurant's three-course, $35 "early supper" menu.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an early supper" when you want to specify a meal eaten earlier than the typical dinner hour, often implying a lighter or less formal meal.

Common error

Be mindful of regional variations in usage. While "supper" and "dinner" are often interchangeable, "supper" can imply a more informal or lighter meal, or be used more frequently in certain dialects or regions. Choose the term that best fits your intended audience and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early supper" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a meal that is consumed earlier than the typical evening meal, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an early supper" refers to a meal eaten earlier than a typical dinner, often implying a lighter or less formal repast. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. While synonymous with "early dinner", "supper" may carry regional or stylistic nuances. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and desired level of formality. Though infrequent, it remains a valid and descriptive way to depict a meal's timing and nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early dinner

Replaces "supper" with "dinner", a more common term in some regions.

early evening meal

Offers a more descriptive and formal alternative to "an early supper".

early tea

Uses "tea" as a British English synonym for a light evening meal.

an ahead-of-time supper

Highlights that the supper is taking place earlier than expected.

light pre-dinner fare

Indicates a light meal or snack before the traditional dinner time.

a premature supper

Emphasizes the unusual earliness of the supper.

pre-dinner snack

Suggests a smaller meal before the main dinner.

a quick bite before dinner

Suggests a brief and informal meal before the main dinner.

late afternoon snack

Focuses on the timing of the meal rather than its nature as a supper.

an afternoon repast

A more formal and old-fashioned term for an afternoon meal.

FAQs

What does "an early supper" mean?

The phrase "an early supper" refers to a meal that is eaten earlier in the evening than a typical dinner. It often implies a lighter or less formal meal than dinner.

When is it appropriate to use "an early supper" in a sentence?

Use "an early supper" when you want to specify that the meal is taking place earlier than the usual dinner time. For instance, "We had "an early supper" because we were going to the theatre."

What can I say instead of "an early supper"?

You can use alternatives such as "early dinner", "early evening meal", or "light meal" depending on the context.

Is "supper" the same as "dinner"?

While "supper" and "dinner" are often used interchangeably, "supper" can sometimes imply a lighter, more informal meal eaten in the evening, or a meal eaten later in the evening. Dinner is more universally understood as the main evening meal.