during dinner hours

USAGE SUMMARY

"during dinner hours" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically refers to the time period in which dinner is traditionally served, usually in the evening. This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, particularly in discussing schedules or events that occur during this time period. Example: "The restaurant is busiest during dinner hours, so we recommend making a reservation in advance to secure a table." Example: "I always like to go for a walk during dinner hours to enjoy the sunset and unwind after a long day." Example: "The company's policy allows for flexible work hours, as long as employees are present during dinner hours for any important team meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Choi's already has quite a reputation in Tai Hang, so be prepared for a bit of waiting during dinner hours.

The Guardian - Travel

Older children and teenagers eat dinner with their families less often, because they are more likely to have sports or activity commitments during dinner hours.

The New York Times

Next month, it is ending its 41-year-old policy of no alcohol by serving wine and beer during dinner hours at Be Our Guest, its new "Beauty and the Beast -theme restaurant.

The New York Times

Those looking for a dressier, larger-scale party will like Son Cubano, a cool meatpacking district spot where a smaller version of Son de Madre plays on Saturday during dinner hours before turning things over to a D.J. (there are other performers other nights).

The New York Times - Travel

Want to turn off your WiFi during dinner hours?

TechCrunch

Now it's basically impossible to get a table during dinner hours without a sizeable wait.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

ANSA quoted two Italian journalists who happened to be among the passengers taking the Mediterranean cruise as saying the accident happened during dinner hour.

The Guardian

In fact, last night I watch them smoke the lobby during dinner hour, and most people didn't even bother to move away.

Huffington Post

DURING peak weekend dinner hours at the new Sevilla (pronounced suh-VEE-yuh) in Cos Cob, would-be diners can expect to wait 40 minutes or more for a table in the tiny dining room, a somewhat shorter time at the crowded tapas bar.

The New York Times

Zoromski was prepared to interrupt people during their dinner hours to encourage them to vote Republican.

The New York Times

Overboard at Dinty Moore's during the dinner hours, a young matron to her husband: "I can contend with myself only up to a point".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling events, consider specifying "during dinner hours" to avoid conflicts with people's meal times. This can help improve attendance and ensure a more positive experience for participants.

Common error

Be mindful that "during dinner hours" can vary across cultures and households. When making announcements, consider clarifying the specific timeframe or allowing flexibility to accommodate individual schedules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during dinner hours" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the time period when an action takes place or a state exists. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase describing restaurant peak times or times to avoid calling someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during dinner hours" serves as a common temporal marker, pinpointing activities or events that coincide with the typical time people eat dinner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this prepositional phrase is grammatically correct and useful across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using the phrase, bear in mind that dinner times can vary, so be specific as necessary. Alternatives like "at dinnertime" or "over dinner" offer flexibility in wording, while maintaining clarity. To avoid scheduling conflicts, it's wise to consider cultural and individual differences in dinner times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at dinnertime

This alternative uses a single word to convey the same meaning, offering a more concise option.

during the evening meal

This phrase provides a more formal and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the specific meal being consumed.

over dinner

This is a shorter, more casual way of indicating something happening while eating dinner.

during supper hours

This alternative uses "supper" which is a synonym for dinner, common in some dialects.

at the time of the evening meal

This is a very formal and explicit way to describe the same timeframe.

in the evening

This phrase is broader, referring to the entire evening period, not specifically the dinner time.

while eating dinner

This alternative emphasizes the act of eating dinner rather than the specific timeframe.

when dinner is served

This alternative focuses on the serving of dinner, implying a more structured mealtime.

during the time people typically eat dinner

This phrase is a longer, more explanatory way of describing the typical dinner hours.

between the hours of 6 and 8 pm

This alternative specifies a common timeframe for dinner, making it more precise but less flexible.

FAQs

How can I use "during dinner hours" in a sentence?

You can use "during dinner hours" to specify when an activity occurs, such as "The restaurant is usually crowded "during dinner hours"" or "Please avoid calling "during dinner hours" unless it's an emergency."

What's a less formal alternative to "during dinner hours"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "at dinnertime" or "over dinner", which are more casual and suitable for everyday conversation.

Which is correct: "during dinner hour" or "during dinner hours"?

"During dinner hours" is generally more appropriate as it refers to the period of time when dinner is typically eaten, rather than a specific, single hour. However, "during the dinner hour" is also acceptable.

What's the best way to avoid interrupting someone "during dinner hours"?

The best practice is to avoid calling or scheduling meetings "during dinner hours" unless absolutely necessary. If you must contact someone, consider sending a message first to ask if it's a convenient time.