chat over lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chat over lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a conversation that you plan to have during a meal. For example, "Come by the office tomorrow and we'll chat over lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And a new canteen will provide students with a place to sit and chat over lunch.

The Guardian

It explains why our brains need to rest after a day spent absorbing all manner of information, from the morning news and the state of the weather, to a chat over lunch and what we must buy for tea.

The Guardian

"It used to be you could sort of take it easy in the morning and chat over lunch and then maybe start to fire up some stories by midafternoon," said John F. Harris, editor in chief of Politico and a veteran of The Washington Post.

The New York Times

Three-wheeled tuk tuks zoom down the uneven streets past the Parque Central, where brightly attired indigenous locals peddle colourful textiles, wooden wares and traditional sweets; shoe shiners loiter; and Spanish professors chat over lunch.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"This is the cleanest campaign I can remember -- it has been nothing like in the past," said Kelly Taaffee, 42, a legal assistant as she chatted over lunch in Keene.

The New York Times

Baer says they were introduced through a mutual friend and chatted over lunch in California, where he claims he suggested to Chase the concept of a mob drama set in New Jersey.

The Guardian

The overwhelming impression of a close encounter with Picasso is of a completely unrepressed, compulsive creator who might produce a sculpture by folding paper while chatting over lunch then paint a couple of masterpieces in his studio the same afternoon.

The Guardian - Arts

If on the other hand the adviser spends the morning reading the newspaper, 2 hours chatting over lunch with colleagues at the faculty club, and leaves for home in midafternoon, the student has a right to expect a fast turnaround.

Science Magazine

At best though, most conferences are just an opportunity to see people you haven't seen since the last conference you went to, and to discuss all the things that haven't changed while you're chatting over lunch.

TechCrunch

Tech companies have realised that the kind of innovation that happened in Silicon Valley came not from everyone going to events but from just hanging out in the same places and throwing around ideas, going for coffee, chatting over lunch.

TechCrunch

The pair got to chatting over lunch and realized they have much more in common than just looks.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chat over lunch" to indicate a casual and informal conversation taking place during a midday meal. It's suitable for describing relaxed interactions in both personal and professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "chat over lunch" in highly formal contexts like board meetings or official presentations. Opt for more professional terms like "discuss" or "confer" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chat over lunch" functions as a prepositional phrase describing a casual conversation that takes place during the act of eating lunch. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chat over lunch" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes a casual conversation during a meal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for informal and neutral contexts, such as news articles and casual business interactions. While the phrase is versatile, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal or scientific settings, opting for more professional alternatives like "discuss during lunch". The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, and its straightforward meaning makes it easy to understand and use in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a conversation at lunch

A more general way to describe talking during lunchtime.

discuss during lunch

Focuses more on a formal discussion rather than a casual chat.

talk while eating lunch

Emphasizes the act of talking while simultaneously eating.

gab over lunch

A more informal term for chatting at lunch.

lunchtime discussion

Highlights the discussion itself, rather than the casual nature of the chat.

catch up at lunchtime

Emphasizes that people are sharing news.

share a meal and conversation

Focuses on both the meal and the conversation being shared.

converse during midday meal

A more formal and less common way to express the idea.

visit during lunch

Highlights the social interaction taking place during lunch.

exchange pleasantries during lunch

Implies a brief and polite exchange of words.

FAQs

How can I use "chat over lunch" in a sentence?

You can use "chat over lunch" to describe a casual conversation during a midday meal. For example, "Let's "chat over lunch" to discuss the project details".

What's a more formal alternative to "chat over lunch"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "discuss during lunch" or "have a conversation at lunch".

Is it appropriate to use "chat over lunch" in a business context?

Yes, "chat over lunch" is appropriate in many business contexts, especially when fostering a relaxed and informal atmosphere. However, avoid using it in very formal situations.

What does "chat over lunch" imply about the nature of the conversation?

"Chat over lunch" suggests a relaxed and informal conversation, rather than a structured meeting or formal discussion.