be given dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be given dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone receiving dinner, often in a passive construction. Example: "After the long meeting, the guests will be given dinner at the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Huhne will then be given dinner.

Independent

When Telemachus, in search of Odysseus, arrived at a new castle, he would usually be given dinner before he was expected to impart his lineage and his purpose in traveling.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

After this procedure (+540 min), the participants were given dinner to eat ad libitum.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Here dancers perform to the music of flutes, cooks serve lavish meals and tame elephants are given dinners of "boiled rice oozing oil, kneaded into white balls as big as melons".

The New York Times - Books

A sculptor and interior decorator who also worked as an assistant to James Beard, she has been giving dinner parties since the 1960's, when she arrived in New York after college in California.

The New York Times - Style

They should be given a dinner at the Waldorf in appreciation of their tolerance, patience & faith in the principle that a mind made up under pressure is not a mind made up at all.

The New Yorker

"For us, it was kind of an insult to be given a dinner.

Huffington Post

22 -- The National Design Awards will be given out at a dinner at the Cooper-Hewitt, at a benefit for the museum.

The New York Times

Last week, she became the first member of the editorial board to be given a formal reception & dinner in honor of her appointment.

The New Yorker

A four-course Louisiana-style dinner will be given to celebrate Fat Monday on Monday at 7 p.m. at Alias, 76 Clinton Street (Rivington Street), with decorations, beads and masks, $40, plus tax, tip and drinks: [phone].

The New York Times - Food

This summer, benefit dinners will be given at the homes of the graphic designer Fabien Baron and the architect Annabelle Selldorf.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be given dinner" in passive constructions to emphasize the act of receiving rather than the giver. For example, "The prisoners will "be given dinner" promptly at 6 PM."

Common error

Avoid using "be given dinner" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. Instead of saying "He was "be given dinner", consider "They gave him dinner." to make your sentence more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given dinner" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that someone is the recipient of the action (receiving dinner) rather than the actor (providing dinner). This is supported by examples found by Ludwig, where the subject is the one receiving the meal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be given dinner" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe someone receiving dinner. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to note that the active voice may sometimes be more concise. Its usage is relatively uncommon but appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, consider the emphasis you want to place—on the recipient or the act of providing the meal—and choose the appropriate construction. Alternatives like "receive dinner" or "be served dinner" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive dinner

Directly states the action of getting dinner, avoiding passive voice.

be served dinner

Focuses on the act of serving rather than simply receiving.

have dinner provided

Emphasizes the provision of dinner, indicating someone is taking care of it.

be offered dinner

Highlights the act of offering dinner, implying a choice or invitation.

get dinner

A simpler way of expressing that someone obtains dinner.

dinner is provided

Focuses on dinner and that it is available, less on the recipient.

dinner will be furnished

A more formal way to say dinner will be provided.

be treated to dinner

Suggests dinner is a special occasion or gift.

be hosted for dinner

Implies someone is hosting the dinner and the subject is a guest.

dinner is on offer

Highlights the availability of dinner, presented as an opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "be given dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "be given dinner" in passive constructions to describe someone receiving dinner. For example: "After the performance, the actors will "be given dinner"."

What are some alternatives to "be given dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "receive dinner", "be served dinner", or "have dinner provided" depending on the context.

Is "be given dinner" formal or informal?

"Be given dinner" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the situation.

Which is correct, "be given dinner" or "give dinner"?

"Be given dinner" implies someone is receiving dinner, while "give dinner" suggests someone is providing or hosting dinner. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning. For instance, if someone is hosting a dinner party, they "give dinner".