during dinner time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during dinner time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the period when people typically eat dinner. Example: "We usually have family discussions during dinner time to catch up on everyone's day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It is a disgusting form of negative campaigning," Mr. Shoff said in an interview, "calling people randomly off a computerized list, during dinner time, and reciting a message that is misleading, as I knew it to be.

The New York Times

Before he started cooking in the pub, he and his friends set off a stink bomb there during dinner time, sending 30 people out onto the street without paying their bills.

The New York Times - Magazine

This hour-long session encourages users to put their phones down – and leave them down – during dinner time.

TechCrunch

Buckingham also recommends staying away from too many social media or online references during dinner time.

Huffington Post

But she's currently in 9th place behind a convicted rapist and "I don't care please just don't call me during dinner time".

Huffington Post

When I explain "what pollsters do" to acquaintances and family members who are not closely familiar with what pollsters do (besides call them during dinner time), I like to say that we are the "reality check".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Also, if you live anywhere in Westchester, your name is on every "lead list" used by every stockbroker who calls you during every dinner time.

The New York Times

Moment later added more features, like an alert that sounds if you picked up your phone during family dinner time, for example.

TechCrunch

Adobe says this is a big leap over last year's 18% but actually lower than the 29% it had expected "but will pick up again during Thanksgiving dinner time".

TechCrunch

Then switch to a soft background music during the dinner time.

WikiHow

If your shower falls during lunch or dinner time you may want to provide a more substantial menu than just dessert.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For conciseness, consider using "at dinner" or "over dinner" as alternatives to "during dinner time", especially in informal contexts. These options can often convey the same meaning more efficiently.

Common error

Avoid consistently using longer phrases like "during dinner time" when shorter, more direct options like "at dinner" are available. Varying your phrasing enhances readability and prevents your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during dinner time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, specifying when an action or event takes place. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis and the examples provided, where it modifies verbs or clauses to indicate timing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during dinner time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to specify when an action takes place. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, and while the expression is valid, alternatives like "at dinner" or "over dinner" often provide a more concise option. Although it appears in various contexts, it's predominantly found in news, media, and wiki-type content. To enhance writing, remember to consider the context and choose the most appropriate phrasing for clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at dinner

More concise alternative, directly indicating the time of the meal.

while having dinner

Emphasizes the activity of eating dinner.

over dinner

Indicates something happening in the course of the meal.

during the dinner hour

A more formal way to refer to the period when dinner is typically eaten.

in the course of dinner

Highlights the progression or sequence of the meal.

during supper

Using an alternative word choice for dinner

while dining

Refers to the action of having dinner, typically implies a more formal setting.

at the dinner table

Highlights the location where dinner takes place.

in the evening meal

A more descriptive way of saying dinner.

when eating dinner

Refers to the specific moment of eating.

FAQs

What is a more concise way to say "during dinner time"?

Alternatives such as "at dinner" or "over dinner" are often more concise and suitable for many contexts.

Is "during dinner time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "during dinner time" is grammatically correct, but it can sometimes be more wordy than necessary. Consider whether a shorter alternative would be more effective.

Which is more formal, "during dinner time" or "at dinner"?

"During dinner time" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "at dinner", though both are generally acceptable in most contexts.

Can I use "during dinner" instead of "during dinner time"?

While "during dinner" can be used, it implies the event or the action of eating the dinner, not the period of time of eating the dinner, so you may prefer the phrase "during dinner time" for increased clarity, or alternatives like "at dinner".