around lunchtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'around lunchtime' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to talk about the time of day when people usually eat their lunch. For example: "I usually wake up around 10am and have lunch around lunchtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(No date is given, although we are helpfully told that the opening sequence occurs "around lunchtime").

The New Yorker

It's around lunchtime.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

They touched down around lunchtime.

Independent

(To be fair, it was around lunchtime).

The New York Times

Around lunchtime the doorbell rang.

The New Yorker

Fifth and 57th is good around lunchtime.

The New York Times - Style

It always sounds like fun around lunchtime, that is.

The New York Times

Every day, around lunchtime, they will want to eat again.

The New York Times

It was around lunchtime on Sunday April 28 , 1996

The Guardian

The drinking starts around lunchtime, the weekend I'm there.

The Guardian

"Usually, there's a big dust cloud around lunchtime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around lunchtime" to indicate an approximate time, rather than a precise hour. This conveys flexibility and informality, appropriate in many conversational and written contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "around lunchtime" when setting up precise appointments or meetings. For example, instead of saying 'Let's meet around lunchtime,' opt for 'Let's meet at 12:30 PM' to ensure clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around lunchtime" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate a time frame. As supported by Ludwig AI and numerous examples, it pinpoints the approximate time when lunch is typically eaten.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around lunchtime" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the period near the middle of the day. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility, and its prevalence in news and media outlets demonstrates its widespread acceptance. While "around lunchtime" may not be suitable for situations demanding precise timing, it serves well in general communication. Alternatives such as "near noon" or "during the lunch hour" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about lunchtime

Synonymous and interchangeable with "around lunchtime", maintaining the approximate timing.

lunchtime

Refers directly to the time when lunch is typically eaten, without specifying proximity.

during the lunch hour

More specific, focusing on the period typically designated for lunch breaks.

near noon

Similar to "around lunchtime" but emphasizes the nearness to the specific time of 12:00 PM.

at the noon hour

A slightly more formal way of saying "around lunchtime", suitable for professional contexts.

at midday

Specifies the exact middle of the day, lacking the approximation of "around lunchtime".

during the midday break

Focuses on the break period in the middle of the day, often associated with work or school.

midday

A single word for the middle of the day, succinct but lacks the flexibility of "around lunchtime".

close to 1 PM

More precise, specifying a time close to 1:00 PM, useful when greater accuracy is needed.

in the early afternoon

Broader, encompassing the hours shortly after noon, less specific than "around lunchtime".

FAQs

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

You can use "around lunchtime" to indicate an approximate time near the middle of the day. For example: "I usually go for a walk "around lunchtime"." or "The delivery should arrive "around lunchtime"".

What can I say instead of "around lunchtime"?

You can use alternatives like "near noon", "during the lunch hour", or "about lunchtime" depending on the context.

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

While "around lunchtime" is widely understood, it is less precise. In formal writing, consider using more specific times, such as "12:00 PM" or "during the midday break", for better clarity.

What's the difference between "around lunchtime" and "lunchtime"?

"Lunchtime" refers specifically to the time designated for lunch, while "around lunchtime" indicates a period approximately near that time. The former is more direct, while the latter allows for some flexibility.