common dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a meal that is typically shared or enjoyed by a group of people, often in a casual or familiar setting. Example: "Every Sunday, our family gathers for a common dinner where we share stories and enjoy each other's company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The butchers also recognised commercial potential around the common dinner dilemma where only one person around the table doesn't eat meat.

Independent

But, you can also think of your own! Dinner-The most common dinner at a sleepover is pizza, which pretty much everyone likes.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It combines the cosy intimacy of a real home with the common dinner-party unease of being in a couple's house while they're having an argument.

The Guardian

A new study borrows from a common after-dinner practice: popping a Tums to neutralize the acid and thereby isolate its effect on reef health.

Science Magazine

I know I am not the only one who is recognizing this change – it's common fodder for dinner conversations.

TechCrunch

They make life unbearable for the upright citizens who still believe in common sense, roast dinners, "political correctness gone mad" and leaving it half an hour after your dinner to go swimming.

Independent

It features a lovely common lounge, nightly dinners, free walking tours and movie nights.

The New York Times - Travel

Der Euro ist nichts wert (the euro is worthless) is a common refrain around dinner-party tables from Berlin to Munich.

The Economist

It was only a matter of time before Hollywood, where antidepressants are common as after-dinner mints, turned them into a high-stakes movie thriller.

The New York Times

His father, Samuel Douglas Fraser, was an ardent unionist, and talk of union activities was common fare at the dinner table.

The New York Times

That the play was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic implied that the names of Humphry Repton, André le Nôtre and Frederick Law Olmsted were by now common currency at smart dinner tables.Before that, the fad for garden history had been creeping up like convolvulus in a herbaceous border.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a meal that is regularly shared among a group, use "common dinner" to emphasize the routine and shared experience.

Common error

While "common dinner" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "shared meal" or "evening repast" in academic or business writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common dinner" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "common" modifies the noun "dinner". Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "common dinner" is grammatically correct and understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to describe a shared or typical evening meal, with a slightly informal tone. While alternatives like "shared dinner" or "family dinner" may be more precise in certain contexts, "common dinner" effectively conveys the idea of a routine or frequent meal. Ludwig confirms its usability, though its frequency is relatively uncommon compared to other similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared dinner

Emphasizes the act of eating together.

family dinner

Highlights the familial aspect of the meal.

communal dinner

Suggests a dinner shared by a community or group.

regular dinner

Indicates a dinner that occurs frequently or routinely.

typical dinner

Implies a standard or usual dinner.

usual dinner

Synonymous with typical dinner, focusing on the normal meal.

evening meal

A more formal way of saying dinner.

dinner together

Focuses on the act of having dinner in company.

group dinner

Highlights the presence of a group at the dinner.

joint supper

Uses 'supper' as a synonym for dinner, implying a shared meal.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The family always gathered for a "common dinner" on Sundays" or "Pizza is a "common dinner" at sleepovers".

What's the difference between "common dinner" and "shared dinner"?

"Common dinner" implies a regular or typical meal, while "shared dinner" simply emphasizes that the meal is eaten together.

Is "common dinner" formal or informal?

The phrase "common dinner" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might prefer "evening meal" or "shared meal".

What are some alternatives to "common dinner"?

Alternatives include "family dinner", "typical dinner", or "communal dinner", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.