dining out

USAGE SUMMARY

"dining out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of eating a meal at a restaurant or outside of one's home. Example: "My friends and I enjoy dining out on weekends to try new restaurants in the city." Example: "Due to the pandemic, many people have been missing the experience of dining out and are turning to takeout options instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, I like dining out.

The New York Times

Share a dish when dining out.

Harvard University

She also took to dining out.

The New York Times - Food

"The recipes were inspired by our own dining out".

The New York Times

There's no doubt about it, Australians love dining out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ritz converted London society to the practice of dining out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It really understands the little rituals of dining out.

Independent

Just say: "My food allergies make dining out tricky.

The New York Times

First in an occasional series of rants about dining out.

The Washington Post

And order first when you are dining out with others.

The Washington Post

Ever feel that dining out is too impersonal?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dining out" when referring to the general activity of eating at restaurants for leisure or convenience. This is more commonly used than "eating at restaurants" in general contexts.

Common error

While "dining out" is common, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider using more precise terms like "restaurant dining" or specifying the type of establishment (e.g. "fine dining" or "casual dining") for greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dining out" functions as a gerund phrase, where the gerund "dining" acts as a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the activity of eating a meal at a restaurant or outside of one's home. It can be used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, similar to what's shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dining out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of eating at restaurants. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in written English. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia" contexts, it serves to discuss habits, preferences, and experiences related to restaurant meals. While generally neutral, more specific terminology might be preferred in formal settings. For alternatives, consider "restaurant dining" or "eating at restaurants". To avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, specify the type of dining experience for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eating at restaurants

Focuses specifically on the location (restaurants).

restaurant dining

Reverses the order of words for a slightly more formal tone.

eating outside the home

Broader; includes picnics or eating at someone else's house.

eating in a restaurant

More specific than "dining out" and defines location.

going out to eat

Emphasizes the action of going somewhere.

taking meals out

Highlights that the meal is consumed outside.

eating away from home

Similar to eating outside the home, focusing on location.

eating at a cafe

Specifies the type of establishment.

visiting restaurants

Describes the action of going to different restaurants.

meal outside

Short form which implies an outdoors meal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "dining out" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "restaurant dining" or specifying the type of dining experience, such as "fine dining".

What's the difference between "dining out" and "eating out"?

The terms "dining out" and "eating out" are often used interchangeably. However, "dining out" might imply a more leisurely and complete meal experience compared to "eating out", which could include quick meals or snacks.

Is "dining out" considered a gerund phrase?

Yes, "dining out" functions as a gerund phrase. The gerund "dining" acts as a noun, and "out" modifies it, indicating where the dining takes place.

What are some tips for healthy "dining out"?

When "dining out", consider opting for grilled or baked options over fried foods, choosing smaller portions, and ordering plenty of vegetables. Be mindful of sauces and dressings, as they can often be high in calories and fat.