around dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time frame that is approximately during the dinner hour. Example: "Let's meet at the park around dinner to enjoy the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Like a knife and fork, he appeared around dinner time.

The New Yorker

In the past, these have taken place around dinner tables.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tornado, which struck around dinner time, crushed nearly a third of the city.

The New York Times

I was down to my last bunch just around dinner time.

The New Yorker

I see 1 or 2 small moths around dinner time each evening.

The New York Times

Around dinner time, the patrons' chatter overlaps the Maghrib call to prayer from a nearby mosque.

The Guardian

Some gathered around dinner tables, alongside family members or kindhearted strangers, to celebrate in steely defiance of life's disruptions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Der Euro ist nichts wert (the euro is worthless) is a common refrain around dinner-party tables from Berlin to Munich.

The Economist

Finish up near the hill town of Filottrano around dinner-time for aperitivo or a meal at Ca' Vecchia Vino e Sfizi.

The Guardian - Travel

Kids, families... everybody sits around the dinner table... What happened to family conversation at dinner time?

Los Angeles Times

"We can still do our stories around the dinner table, and we can still read books around the dinner table.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around dinner" to indicate a general timeframe, acknowledging that the exact time may vary. For example, "Let's plan to meet around dinner, say 6 or 7 pm."

Common error

Avoid using "around dinner" when you need to specify an exact time. Instead, use phrases like "at 6:30 pm" or "precisely at dinner time" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around dinner" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in specifying a general time frame.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around dinner" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a time close to when dinner is typically eaten. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is best suited for general time indications rather than precise scheduling. Consider alternatives like "near dinnertime" or "during the dinner hour" for slight variations in meaning or formality. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can effectively and appropriately use "around dinner" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near dinnertime

Replaces "around" with "near", indicating proximity in time to dinner.

at about dinner

Uses "at about" instead of "around", suggesting an approximate time.

during the dinner hour

Specifies the "dinner hour" instead of using "dinner" as a general time.

close to suppertime

Employs "suppertime" as a synonym for dinner, indicating the time close to that meal.

when dinner is served

Focuses on the action of serving dinner, marking a specific time.

in the evening, near mealtime

Expands the timeframe to the "evening" and uses "mealtime" to refer to dinner.

approximately when dinner is prepared

Highlights the preparation of dinner, indicating an approximate time.

in proximity to the dinner meal

Uses more formal language to indicate nearness to the dinner meal.

at the time of dinner

Directly indicates the time associated with dinner.

adjacent to dinner

Uses "adjacent" to suggest a time period right before or after dinner.

FAQs

How can I use "around dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "around dinner" to indicate a time approximately during the dinner hour, such as "I usually go for a walk around dinner".

What's another way to say "around dinner"?

Alternatives include "near dinnertime", "at about dinner", or "during the dinner hour", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "around dinner" in formal writing?

While "around dinner" is acceptable, more formal options like "during the dinner hour" or "at approximately the time of dinner" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

Which is more precise, "around dinner" or "at dinner time"?

"At dinner time" implies a more specific point, while "around dinner" suggests a broader timeframe encompassing the period near when dinner is typically eaten.