an intimate dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intimate dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a private, personal, or romantic meal shared between a small number of people, often in a cozy or romantic setting. Example: "They decided to have an intimate dinner at their favorite restaurant to celebrate their anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

An invitation to an intimate dinner party with Tom Ford has caused more excitement among my male and female friends than almost anything else I've ever done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Vignelli was told he was having an intimate dinner with family and friends.

The New York Times

On the other hand, a large reception isn't an intimate dinner by the hearth, either.

The New York Times

I'm sure you heard about people naming the six people they would want at an intimate dinner party.

The New York Times

Think back to Fielding's "Tom Jones," when Mrs. Waters seduces Tom during an intimate dinner at an inn.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Smith was later invited to an intimate dinner for major donors with Rick Davis, the McCain campaign manager.

The New York Times

After the show, La Beckham hosted an intimate dinner for 5,000 of the designer's closest friends in the late, great bird's honour.

Independent

(Do you know how hard it is to put together a not-lame holiday playlist?) This doesn't sound like an intimate dinner for six.

The New York Times

Evenings at the Smile feel like an intimate dinner party with young tastemakers — you may worry about your outfit, but don't.

The New Yorker

After-parties include an intimate dinner for Tommy Hilfiger at the Monkey Bar, and a late-night party at the Top of the Standard.

The New York Times

Mr. Kowalski recently booked a honeymoon in Mexico for a gay couple, arranging an intimate dinner right on the beach, followed by breakfast in bed the next morning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intimate dinner" to evoke a sense of closeness, privacy, and warmth in your writing. Consider the setting, the attendees, and the purpose of the gathering to enhance the imagery.

Common error

While "an intimate dinner" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively, especially if it becomes repetitive. Substitute with alternatives like "cozy dinner" or "private dinner" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intimate dinner" functions as a noun phrase, where "intimate" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "dinner". It describes a particular type of dining experience. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an intimate dinner" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a private, close gathering for a meal. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and frequent usage. As evidenced by the examples, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, to convey a sense of closeness, privacy, or romance. When writing, remember that alternatives like "cozy dinner" or "private dinner" can be used to avoid repetition and provide a nuanced description. The phrase is versatile and applicable in both neutral and slightly formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cozy dinner

Focuses on the comfortable and warm atmosphere of the dinner.

a private dinner

Highlights the exclusivity and limited attendance of the dinner.

a romantic dinner

Emphasizes the amorous setting and intention of the dinner.

a small dinner party

Specifically mentions the gathering as a party, but with a limited number of guests.

an exclusive dinner

Highlights the select nature of the event and the people attending.

a personal dinner

Highlights the personalized nature of the dining experience.

a close-knit dinner

Focuses on the feeling of connection among the people sharing the meal.

a special dinner

Emphasizes the event's unique and memorable quality.

a candlelit dinner

Describes the ambiance through the lighting.

a tête-à-tête dinner

Emphasizes a private and intimate conversation during the meal.

FAQs

How can I use "an intimate dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "an intimate dinner" to describe a small, private gathering for a meal, such as "They hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate their anniversary", or "The restaurant is perfect for an intimate dinner for two".

What's the difference between "an intimate dinner" and "a formal dinner"?

"An intimate dinner" implies a small, private, and often romantic or close setting, while "a formal dinner" suggests a larger, more structured event with specific etiquette and dress codes.

What can I say instead of "an intimate dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "cozy dinner", "private dinner", or "romantic dinner", depending on the context you want to emphasize.

Is "an intimate dinner" only for romantic occasions?

No, while it can describe a romantic setting, "an intimate dinner" can also refer to a close gathering of friends or family where the focus is on personal connection and conversation.