at dinner time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at dinner time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific time of day when dinner is typically served, such as 7:00 pm. For example, "I usually eat dinner with my family at dinner time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"At dinner time there isn't that falloff".

The New York Times - Food

At dinner time, he arrived, dug in and posted photos.

The New York Times

I almost always want something warm at dinner time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And Tommy did appear promptly, at dinner time.

The New York Times

They share the cooking and cleaning, eat together at dinner time and occasionally have games evenings.

The Guardian

Portions at every meal are more than generous, but quality is less predictable at dinner time.

The New York Times

At dinner time, she would often mess around and not eat much.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After sweaty practice sessions, at dinner time, my mother would always say, "Why are you wasting your time on this?

The New Yorker

And tonight, with rain still falling at dinner time, many in the state watched a wrenching, tear-filled news conference.

The New York Times

I usually grab a snack at dinner time (or sometimes forget to), but I can never miss lunch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Capello was nobody's favourite among the England players when he banned beer and mobile phones at dinner time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at dinner time" to specify an action or event that occurs during the period when dinner is usually eaten. For example, "The family gathers at dinner time to share stories."

Common error

Avoid using "at dinner time" when you mean to refer to another meal occasion. Be specific and use "at lunchtime" or "at breakfast" if that's the correct time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at dinner time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying the time when an action occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a particular time of day when dinner is typically eaten.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at dinner time" is a common and grammatically sound way to specify when something occurs during the evening meal. Ludwig AI confirms that its common use involves setting the context or timing of an action, and it is appropriate for both formal and informal settings. As Ludwig shows, while predominantly found in news and general media, "at dinner time" also appears in scientific and business writing, so it has widespread utility. When writing, ensure that "at dinner time" accurately reflects the timing of the event you are describing and avoid confusing it with other meal times. Consider using alternatives such as "during dinner" or "around dinner time" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during dinner

Focuses on the activity of eating dinner rather than the specific time.

over dinner

Similar to "during dinner", emphasizing the activity and context.

around dinner time

Indicates an approximate time near when dinner is typically eaten.

when eating dinner

Highlights the action of consuming dinner at a certain moment.

at supper

Uses an alternative word for dinner, "supper", maintaining the same meaning.

in the evening meal

A more formal way of referencing dinner.

at the dinner hour

Emphasizes the specific hour when dinner is typically consumed.

as dinner is served

Focuses on the event of dinner being served.

during the evening repast

A more literary or old-fashioned way to refer to the evening meal.

when it's time to eat

A very general alternative, focusing on the act of eating rather than dinner specifically.

FAQs

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

You can use "at dinner time" to specify when an event occurs during the evening meal, for example, "The family always turns off their phones "at dinner time" to encourage conversation."

What is a synonym for "at dinner time"?

Alternatives to "at dinner time" include phrases such as "during dinner", "around dinner time", or "at supper", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "in dinner time" instead of "at dinner time"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "dinner time" is "at". Saying "in dinner time" is grammatically incorrect. Use ""at dinner time"".

How formal is the phrase "at dinner time"?

The phrase "at dinner time" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in most contexts, from casual conversations to more formal writing. A more formal alternative might be "during the evening meal".