at diner

USAGE SUMMARY

"at diner" can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a meal eaten in the evening. For example, "My family likes to get together at diner every Sunday night to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Breakfast starts early at Diner Deluxe on Edmonton Trail NE, or Red's Diner in Ramsey – both have their own spin on the classic breakfasts.

The Guardian

Donald Trump's three eldest children (and sons' spouses) at diner in New Hampshire.

The Guardian

Mr. Firth later hired Mr. Devlin to tend bar at Diner, an early arrival on the Williamsburg dining scene.

The New York Times

"They're messy and they're annoying," said Amy Chin, a 23-year-old waitress at Diner, a local restaurant.

The New York Times

Mr. Devlin was a bartender at Diner while he built DuMont on Union Avenue, on the other side of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

The New York Times

It was built around a series of rabbit dinners at Bar Tartine last month and at Diner in Brooklyn last November.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

EATING lobster near the water, under blue skies, in a lovely landscaped garden, at diner-like prices, sounds like a fantasy, especially on Long Island.

The New York Times

Crates of beer are left at diners' feet, along with a bottle opener on the table.

The New York Times - Travel

Griddles at diners from the Bronx to Staten Island are slicked with it.

The New York Times

His tenants waited tables at diners or worked as nursing assistants.

The New York Times

She tries to steal some shut-eye in booths at diners.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "diner"; it often implies a vintage or retro atmosphere. If the establishment is more modern, consider alternatives like "restaurant" or "cafe".

Common error

Avoid using "at diner" when referring to upscale restaurants or formal dining experiences. The term implies a casual, often retro, setting. Using it in the wrong context can sound incongruous and misrepresent the intended dining experience.

Linguistic Context

"At diner" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or setting. It describes where an action takes place. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, showing the phrase in contexts related to dining and meeting places.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at diner" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase that serves to indicate location, specifically referring to the setting of a diner. While it might not be the most frequently used phrase, Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples in various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is most commonly found in the news media. When employing "at diner", it's vital to ensure the context aligns with the typical understanding of a diner – a casual, often retro-themed, dining establishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the diner

Replaces the preposition "at" with "in", focusing on the location inside the diner.

at that diner

Specifies a particular diner, adding a sense of reference.

inside the diner

Highlights the interior location, replacing 'at' with 'inside'.

eating at the diner

Focuses on the activity of eating rather than simply being present.

at the local diner

Adds a sense of community and familiarity to the diner experience.

dining at the diner

Emphasizes the act of dining, using a gerund phrase.

visiting the diner

Emphasizes the act of going to the diner.

at the luncheonette

Substitutes "diner" with "luncheonette", another type of casual eatery.

at a roadside diner

Adds specificity by describing the diner's location.

at the greasy spoon

Uses a slang term for diner, adding a more informal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "at diner" to describe being present or eating in a diner. For example, "We stopped "at diner" for a late-night snack" or "They met "at diner" to discuss their plans".

What's the difference between "at diner" and "in the diner"?

While both phrases indicate presence in a diner, "at diner" often implies activity (like eating or meeting), whereas "in the diner" simply denotes location. You might say "They were "at diner" having breakfast" versus "They sat in a booth "in the diner"".

What can I say instead of "at diner"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "at the greasy spoon" for a more informal tone, or "at the luncheonette" if you're referring to a similar type of establishment.

Is it correct to say "at diner's" instead of "at diner"?

No, "at diner's" is generally incorrect. The correct phrase is "at diner", as you are referring to a type of establishment rather than a specific owner or possessive noun. "At a diner" would also be a grammatically correct option.