at breakfast time

USAGE SUMMARY

"at breakfast time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the general time period in the morning when people typically eat breakfast. For example, "My family always has lively conversations at breakfast time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A reasonable amount at breakfast time, certainly, but hardly bottomless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Presented as readings at breakfast time, they attracted full houses.

The Guardian

We are all very habit formed at breakfast time.

The Guardian

At breakfast time Wednesday morning, he impersonated Darth Vader.

The New Yorker

At breakfast time, I walked through the underground steam tunnels to the dining room.

The New Yorker

In many schools across the country, lunch period is now at breakfast time.

The Washington Post

Raw onion is not my ideal of a nice surprise at breakfast time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is still a last bastion of breakfast at breakfast time – the B&B.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We meet at breakfast time, but Falco doesn't order any food.

The Guardian

So, A Table now serves lunch, and sells brioche and croissants at breakfast time.

The New York Times - Food

The "post-party gossip at breakfast time" keeps residents busy until the next month.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at breakfast time" to clearly indicate events or occurrences happening during the usual period for eating breakfast, ensuring context is understood.

Common error

Avoid using "at breakfast time" when a more specific time reference is needed, such as "at 7 AM" or "before work". "At breakfast time" is best for general temporal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at breakfast time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when an action occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates the time period when breakfast is typically eaten. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from news reports to personal anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at breakfast time" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify when something occurs in relation to the morning meal period. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding temporal context to sentences and narratives. Predominantly found in news and media, lifestyle, and travel content, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various communication styles. To ensure clarity, use "at breakfast time" when a general time reference is sufficient, avoiding it when more precision is required. Consider alternatives like "during breakfast" or "in the morning" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during breakfast

Focuses on the activity of eating breakfast, rather than the specific time.

over breakfast

Emphasizes conversations or activities that occur while eating breakfast.

with breakfast

Highlights the accompaniment of an action or item alongside the breakfast meal.

while having breakfast

More verbose, explicitly mentioning the act of eating breakfast.

in the morning

A broader term referring to the early part of the day, not specifically breakfast.

during the breakfast hour

Emphasizes a specific one-hour period usually dedicated to breakfast.

early in the day

Similar to "in the morning", but more general and can encompass activities beyond breakfast.

first thing in the morning

Highlights the immediate sequence of events after waking up, which may include breakfast.

at the breakfast table

Specifies the location where breakfast is consumed, rather than just the time.

breakfast hours

Refers to the period when breakfast is served or available, particularly in commercial settings.

FAQs

How can I use "at breakfast time" in a sentence?

You can use "at breakfast time" to describe when an event typically occurs. For example, "The news is usually on "at breakfast time"" or "I prefer to read the newspaper "at breakfast time"".

What are some alternatives to saying "at breakfast time"?

Alternatives include "during breakfast", "over breakfast", or "in the morning", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "during breakfast" or "at breakfast time"?

"At breakfast time" refers to the general period for eating breakfast, while "during breakfast" focuses on activities occurring while the meal is being consumed. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.

Can "at breakfast time" be used to describe a specific event that happened only once?

While "at breakfast time" usually describes recurring events, it can also describe a singular event if the timing aligns with the usual breakfast period. For example, "The announcement was made "at breakfast time", catching many by surprise."