at the dinner table

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the dinner table" is an idiomatic phrase that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to conversation or activities that are taking place at a dinner table. For example, "The family spent the evening discussing current events at the dinner table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The empty seat at the dinner table.

The New York Times

But it begins at the dinner table.

The New York Times - Sports

No smartphones at the dinner table.

The Washington Post

The family spoke only French at the dinner table.

University of California, Berkeley

Ludwig05: The family at the dinner table in the Hochreit.

University of California, Berkeley

It is not a conversation starter at the dinner table.

The Guardian - Money

This is true at the dinner table, as well.

The Washington Post

At the dinner table, we check in about our days.

The Washington Post

I did not anticipate cardiac arrest at the dinner table.

The New York Times - Magazine

Parents wept as their daughters stuttered at the dinner table.

The New Yorker

Is he anybody sitting at the dinner table?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the dinner table" to set a scene for family discussions, announcements, or any significant interaction that occurs during a meal.

Common error

Avoid using "at the dinner table" in highly formal or business writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "during the meal" or "in a family setting" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the dinner table" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb to indicate where an action occurs. Ludwig AI's examples show it setting the scene for conversations, announcements, and other interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the dinner table" is a prepositional phrase denoting location, specifically referring to events or discussions occurring during a meal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts to describe domestic or family scenarios. While its register leans toward neutral to informal, it's best to avoid it in highly formal settings. Related phrases include "during dinner" and "over dinner". When using this phrase, consider its context to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around the dinner table

Emphasizes the gathering of people near the table, suggesting a slightly broader scope than just being "at" it.

during dinner

Focuses on the activity occurring while dinner is taking place, omitting the specific location of the table.

over dinner

Highlights the meal as the setting for a discussion or event, subtly different from being physically located "at the dinner table".

at supper

Uses an alternative term for dinner, which might imply a less formal setting depending on regional usage.

while eating dinner

Highlights the action of eating, shifting the focus from the location to the activity.

while having dinner

Similar to "while eating dinner", emphasizing the act of having the meal itself.

during mealtime

Broader term referring to any time a meal is being consumed, not necessarily at the dinner table.

at the evening meal

More formal way to describe the dinner setting.

in the dining room

Focuses on the location within the house where meals are typically eaten, rather than the specific table.

across the table

Highlights the positioning of individuals in relation to each other during a meal.

FAQs

How can I use "at the dinner table" in a sentence?

You can use "at the dinner table" to describe where a conversation or event takes place, such as "We always discuss our day "at the dinner table"".

What is a similar phrase to "at the dinner table"?

Alternatives include "during dinner", "over dinner", or "around the dinner table", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "at the dinner table" in writing?

It's appropriate in informal or narrative writing, where you want to create a sense of familiarity or describe a family setting. Avoid in formal business contexts.

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

No, the correct preposition to use is "at". Saying "in the dinner table" is grammatically incorrect and not idiomatic.