casual dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casual dinner" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a relaxed or informal meal, typically eaten at home or in a casual setting. Example: "I invited a few friends over for a casual dinner tonight. We'll order pizza and catch up on each other's lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Let's do casual dinner tonight.

The New York Times

"It was a casual dinner, just me and her.

The New York Times

It was a big, fun casual dinner with everyone from "Gatsby".

The New York Times

If the CEO is confident he may agree to a casual dinner.

The Economist

I wish we didn't have to pay $50 a head for a casual dinner with wine.

The New York Times

THE scene unfolding at the Thai restaurant in Brooklyn was like that of any other casual dinner party.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Two fish markets, Bob's and Commander Cody's, serve casual dinners.

The New York Times - Travel

He attended casual dinners at the homes of executives like Jamie Dimon, a member of the New York Fed board and the chief of JPMorgan Chase.

The New York Times

"These weren't casual dinners," the designer said, "but long round-table meetings so we could come to understand how they speak and what they define as important".

The New York Times - Arts

OVER a series of casual dinners at neighborhood restaurants near her Flatiron District apartment in the spring, Chelsea Clinton began talking to a couple of longtime friends about something she'd been mulling for a while.

The New York Times

They also leave behind a host of memories not seen by the public: the football team's ultra-competitive soccer games with the national champion women's soccer team, swimming in the Luck family's nearby pool and cracking jokes in the California sunshine and eating casual dinners with fellow senior and pro golfer Michelle Wie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a "casual dinner", clearly communicate the level of formality to your guests to avoid any dressing mishaps. For instance, specify 'jeans are welcome' or 'come as you are'.

Common error

Avoid overdressing for a "casual dinner". Opt for comfortable and relaxed attire instead of formal wear to match the informal setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual dinner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a type of meal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is frequently used to set expectations about the formality and atmosphere of a dining event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casual dinner" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, denoting an informal and relaxed dining experience. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts. Its primary function is to communicate the lack of formality and the expectation of a comfortable setting. The phrase maintains a neutral to informal register, making it suitable for everyday conversations and relaxed invitations. As per Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in news articles and general media, thus establishing its presence in public discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informal dinner

Replaces "casual" with a synonym, maintaining the same level of formality.

relaxed dinner

Emphasizes the ease and lack of strictness of the dinner.

laid-back dinner

Similar to "relaxed", but perhaps even less structured or formal.

simple dinner

Focuses on the lack of elaborate preparations or formality.

easygoing dinner

Highlights the comfortable and unstressed atmosphere.

informal supper

Replaces both words: "casual" with a synonym and "dinner" with a similar mealtime term.

unceremonious dinner

Underscores the absence of ceremony or rigid structure.

dinner among friends

Shifts focus to the company and relaxed atmosphere often associated with casual meals.

impromptu dinner

Implies the dinner was not planned far in advance.

potluck dinner

Suggests guests contribute dishes, which is often associated with casual dining.

FAQs

How can I use "casual dinner" in a sentence?

You might say, "We're having a "casual dinner" at home tonight, nothing fancy" or "Let's plan a "casual dinner" next week to catch up."

What's the difference between "casual dinner" and "formal dinner"?

A "casual dinner" implies a relaxed atmosphere with simple food and attire, while a "formal dinner" suggests a more structured setting with elaborate dishes and strict dress codes.

What can I serve at a "casual dinner"?

Consider serving easy-to-prepare dishes like pizza, pasta, or tacos. The focus is on simple, crowd-pleasing food that encourages conversation.

What should I wear to a "casual dinner"?

Opt for comfortable clothing such as jeans, a t-shirt, or a casual dress. Avoid formal attire like suits or cocktail dresses.