at chow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at chow" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It is typically used to refer to mealtime, especially in military or casual settings. Example: "We will meet at the mess hall at chow to discuss the upcoming mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The kids at Creech are at chow.

The New Yorker

The liberties sing at Chow Bar, clang at Daily Chow.

The New York Times - Food

I saw him at inspection, but he never winked; at chow formations, but he never flashed me a sign.

The New Yorker

"Or think, 'Head on, with the shell'?" At Chow Bar, by contrast, the prawns do come with the heads on.

The New York Times - Food

I told the Captain I don't know what you eat, but I've seen you eat like a hound at chow".

The New Yorker

At Chow Bar in Greenwich Village, Peter Klein serves slow-cooked black chicken in red Thai coconut sauce.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Christopher McDonald, the owner and chef at Chows Caribbean Cuisine in Tarrytown, earned his nickname, Chow, as a young boy in Jamaica where he was known for his passion for cooking.

The New York Times

That cousin, Nora Maywell, was the manager of a nearby bank, at Twelfth and F Streets, and she first saw Caesar as he bused tables at Chowing Down, where she had gone with colleagues for lunch.

The New Yorker

For CA-hearts fed WSD or WSD + oxfenicine ANGPTL4 mRNA levels were preserved at chow-fed levels.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

Photo by: Raoul Gatchalian/STAR MAX/IPx 2018 9/29/18 Ashley Graham at the "All I Have" Official Finale After Party at Mr. Chow at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Forbes

On 28 October 1938, Duncan was struck by the Greek steamer Pipina whilst lying at anchor at Foo Chow, China.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using more common alternatives like "at mealtime" or "during lunch" to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "at chow" in formal writing or professional communications; it is generally considered too informal for such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at chow" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the time or occasion when a meal is being taken. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's often used informally.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at chow" is an informal way to refer to mealtime, commonly used in military or casual settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, though primarily in informal contexts. While "at chow" effectively conveys the idea of mealtime, it may not be suitable for all contexts, particularly formal ones. Alternatives such as "during mealtime" or "at lunchtime" are more appropriate for formal writing. Its frequency is uncommon, with the majority of examples found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during mealtime

Replaces "at chow" with a more generic term for mealtime.

during dinner

Specifies the meal being referenced.

at lunchtime

Specifies the meal being referenced.

at supper

Specifies the meal being referenced.

in the mess hall

Emphasizes the location of the meal, often in a military context.

in the dining hall

Emphasizes the location of the meal in a more general context.

at the canteen

Specifies a casual dining location.

at the cafeteria

Specifies a casual dining location.

during feeding time

Uses a more literal and general term.

while eating

Focuses on the action of eating rather than the specific time or place.

FAQs

How can I use "at chow" in a sentence?

You can use "at chow" to refer to mealtime, especially in military or informal contexts. For example: "The soldiers gathered "at chow" to discuss the mission".

What are some alternatives to saying "at chow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "during mealtime", "at lunchtime", or "in the dining hall".

Is it appropriate to use "at chow" in formal writing?

No, "at chow" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or military contexts. Use more formal alternatives like "during mealtime" in formal writing.

What's the origin of the phrase "at chow"?

The phrase "at chow" likely originated in military settings, where "chow" is a slang term for food. It is a shortened way of saying "at mealtime".