around dinner time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around dinner time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the approximate time when dinner is typically served or eaten, often in casual conversation or writing. Example: "I usually like to take a walk around dinner time to unwind after a long day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

I also thought it might be fun trading around dinner time with someone else's money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

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

When dinner time rolls around, Americans are increasingly choosing to stay in rather than dine out.

Forbes

Are your kids always eager to help you cook when dinner time rolls around?

Huffington Post

They eat when they're hungry, or when dinner time rolls around, and they don't think about food in between those times.

Huffington Post

We enjoyed lunch at a few wineries, notably Aronhill Vineyards and Farmstand 46 (at Cypher,) but when the sun sets and dinner time rolls around, if there's no designated driver on hand we prefer to eat in or enjoy a meal in town.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around dinner time" to indicate an approximate timeframe, providing flexibility without being too vague. For example, "Let's plan to meet around dinner time, say between 6 and 7 pm."

Common error

Avoid using "around dinner time" when a precise time is known or required. Instead of saying "The meeting is around dinner time", specify "The meeting is at 6:30 pm."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around dinner time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating when an action takes place. It specifies a general timeframe related to the customary period for eating dinner, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around dinner time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate an approximate period when dinner is typically eaten. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, offering a neutral level of formality. While versatile, it's best to avoid it when precise timing is required. Consider alternatives like "at dinnertime" or "near suppertime" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at dinnertime

Directly specifies dinner time; omits the approximation.

near suppertime

Uses "supper" instead of "dinner", implying a possibly lighter or less formal meal.

close to the dinner hour

More formal; uses "hour" to specify the duration surrounding dinner.

as dinner approaches

Focuses on the impending arrival of dinner, rather than the specific time.

when dinner is served

Highlights the action of serving dinner, shifting the focus slightly.

around 6 pm

Provides a specific time, removing ambiguity but losing generality.

in the early evening

Broadens the timeframe to include the entire early evening period.

before the evening meal

Focuses on the meal itself.

at the end of the day

Broader context, indicating the conclusion of daily activities.

as dusk settles

More poetic, connecting dinner time with the transition to evening.

FAQs

What does "around dinner time" mean?

It refers to the approximate time when people typically eat dinner, usually between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, but it can vary based on cultural and personal schedules.

What can I say instead of "around dinner time"?

You can use alternatives like "at dinnertime", "near suppertime", or "close to the dinner hour".

Is "around dinner time" formal or informal?

"Around dinner time" is generally considered informal and suitable for casual conversation or writing. More formal alternatives might include "near the dinner hour".

How accurate is "around dinner time"?

The phrase is intentionally vague, suggesting an approximation rather than a precise moment. It's best used when exact timing is not critical.