dinner starts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dinner starts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning time of a dinner event or meal. Example: "The invitation states that dinner starts at 7 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The four-course dinner starts at 6.

The New York Times - Food

Dinner starts around $29 a person with wine.

The New York Times - Travel

Dinner starts at 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

The New York Times - Travel

Dinner starts with a plate of peking duck (five pieces).

The Guardian - Travel

"Dinner starts at six-thirty," the nurse said to Tengo.

The New Yorker

The dinner starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are $240 for the general public.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Dinner started about 7 30.

The New York Times

Open daily for dinner, starting Aug. 24.

The New York Times

Work from home and then pick them up and get dinner started.

Independent

Petrossian, the caviar purveyor, served them dinner, starting with transparent plastic pots of eight different caviars.

The New York Times

Before the dinner started, each contestant stood by a storyboard explaining their specific project.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a specific time, use "dinner starts at [time]" to clearly communicate when the meal will begin. This is particularly useful in invitations or event schedules.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear that you're referring to the dinner itself starting, rather than another activity coincidentally beginning at dinnertime. For example, instead of just saying "things start at 7", clarify with "dinner starts at 7".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dinner starts" functions as a statement indicating the beginning of a meal. Ludwig AI affirms this is a correct and usable English phrase. It often introduces information about timing or scheduling, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

20%

Food

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dinner starts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the beginning of a meal or dinner event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting that it often serves to inform or announce a scheduled commencement. While predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Consider alternatives such as "dinner begins" or "dinner commences" for stylistic variation. Remember to specify the time and context clearly to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dinner commences

Emphasizes a more formal or ceremonious beginning of the dinner.

dinner begins

A more direct and simple way of stating the start of dinner.

dinner service begins

Highlights the start of the serving aspect of the dinner, common in restaurant settings.

dinner is served

Indicates that the dinner is ready and available to be eaten.

dinner is getting underway

Suggests the dinner is in the process of starting, more gradual.

the start of dinner

Focuses on the event itself beginning, rather than the action.

dinner gets going

An informal way to express the commencement of dinner.

it's dinnertime

Highlights the designated time for dinner, less about the act of starting.

dinner hour begins

Focuses on the period when dinner is typically eaten.

the feast begins

Implies a large or elaborate dinner.

FAQs

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

You can use "dinner starts" to indicate the beginning time of a meal. For example, "dinner starts at 7 PM" or "dinner starts promptly at 8".

What's another way to say "dinner starts"?

Alternatives to "dinner starts" include "dinner begins", "dinner commences", or "dinner service begins" depending on the formality and context.

Is it correct to say "dinner is starting" instead of "dinner starts"?

Yes, "dinner is starting" is also correct and implies that the dinner is in the process of beginning. "Dinner starts" indicates a more definite or scheduled start time.

What is the difference between "dinner starts at" and "dinner is served at"?

"Dinner starts at" indicates the time when the dinner event commences, while "dinner is served at" implies the time when the meal is ready and available to be eaten.