be on the menu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on the menu" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is available or included as an option, often in the context of food or choices in a broader sense. Example: "For tonight's dinner, we will have a variety of dishes, and I hope the new pasta recipe will be on the menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On other days, lamb or mutton may be on the menu – but, surprisingly, one thing you'll never find is beef.

The Guardian - Travel

Might love be on the menu?

The New York Times - Books

But platitudes are more likely to be on the menu.

The Economist

We don't want to be on the menu".

The New York Times

They fear they may be on the menu some day.

The New York Times - Books

As in San Francisco, charity will be on the menu.

The New York Times

Beers, pretzels and sausages will be on the menu.

The New York Times

What types of foods would still be on the menu?

The New York Times

(Contestants are not supposed to be on the menu).

The New York Times

Post the apocalypse, what will be on the menu?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pasta dishes, risotto, osso buco and pizzas will be on the menu.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, make sure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to literal food choices, figurative options, or a combination of both.

Common error

While "be on the menu" can be a vivid way to describe options or possibilities, avoid overusing it in contexts where a more direct term like "available" or "possible" would be clearer and more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on the menu" functions primarily as a predicative expression, indicating that something is available, offered, or a potential option. Ludwig examples confirm that it can apply to both literal food items and figurative possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be on the menu" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that something is available, offered, or a potential option. Grammatically correct and predominantly featured in News & Media, as noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the inclusion of items or possibilities in various contexts, both literal and figurative. While alternatives like "be available" and "be offered" exist, "be on the menu" offers a distinctive flavor, suggesting a range of choices. When writing, use it judiciously to avoid overuse, and ensure the context clarifies whether you're discussing actual food or metaphorical options. In essence, "be on the menu" is a useful phrase to communicate presence and choice in a clear, engaging manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be available

Directly indicates that something is accessible or obtainable.

be offered

Suggests that something is presented as a choice or option.

be an option

Emphasizes the potential for something to be chosen or considered.

be included

Highlights that something is part of a larger set or arrangement.

be a possibility

Indicates that something is likely to happen or be true.

feature on the list

Specifically refers to an item being present on a catalog or inventory.

be up for grabs

Implies something is available to be taken or won, often competitively.

be under consideration

Suggests that something is being thought about and evaluated.

be part of the selection

Highlights the presence of something as a choice within a variety.

be among the choices

Similar to 'be part of the selection', but emphasizing inclusion among alternatives.

FAQs

How can I use "be on the menu" in a sentence?

You can use "be on the menu" to indicate that something is an available option or a possibility. For example: "Negotiations are ongoing, but compromise doesn't seem to "be on the menu"." or "With the new chef, exciting dishes will "be on the menu"."

What are some alternatives to "be on the menu"?

Alternatives to "be on the menu" include "be available", "be offered", or "be an option", depending on the specific context. These alternatives can provide a similar meaning while varying the tone or emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was on the menu" or "will be on the menu"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. You can conjugate "be" to fit the appropriate tense. "Was on the menu" indicates something was available in the past, while "will be on the menu" suggests it will be available in the future.

In what contexts is "be on the menu" most commonly used?

"Be on the menu" is frequently used in contexts relating to food, choices, or options. It can apply to literal menus in restaurants, as well as figurative 'menus' of possibilities in discussions, negotiations, or plans. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly common in News & Media.