fast food

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fast food" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to food that is prepared and served quickly at a restaurant, usually from a limited menu. For example: "I had to work late, so I just stopped for some fast food on my way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is fast food?

The New York Times

We love fast food.

Independent

Was Fast Food blotting out fast food?

The New York Times - Food

Fast food indeed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fast food is essential.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hankering for fast food?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Or fast-food joints?

The Economist

And fast-food garbage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thank you, fast-food industry.

The New York Times

The fast-food worker?

The New York Times

Fast-food outlets reopened.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of "fast food" on public health, provide specific examples, such as increased risk of obesity or heart disease, to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid broad statements about the health effects of "fast food" without acknowledging variations in nutritional content. Some fast-food chains offer healthier options or allow customization.

Linguistic Context

"Fast food" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a category of food known for its quick preparation and service. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show its use in various contexts, from news reports to discussions about diet and health.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fast food" is a common noun phrase referring to quickly prepared and served meals, often associated with convenience and specific dietary characteristics. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its frequent use across diverse sources like news media, wikis, and scientific articles. Analysis reveals that its function spans descriptive categorization, dietary discussions, and societal impact analyses. While primarily neutral in register, understanding the varied contexts and potential health implications is crucial. Remember, while convenient, moderation is key. Steer clear of overgeneralizations and ensure you ground your discussions in specific details and balanced perspectives. A variety of sources attest its frequent usage and correct grammatical form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick service restaurant

Emphasizes the speed of service aspect, commonly used in the industry.

junk food

Highlights the typically low nutritional value of such food.

convenience food

Focuses on the ease and accessibility of this type of meal.

takeout

Refers to food prepared for consumption elsewhere.

ready-to-eat meals

Stresses the preparedness and immediacy of the food.

drive-thru cuisine

Highlights the experience of car based consumption.

instant meals

Emphasizes the short time required for preparation or service.

pre-packaged meals

Highlights the food being already packaged.

snack food

Focuses on the aspect of this type of food for consumption between main courses.

processed food

Refers to industrial manipulation to obtain a ready-to-eat result.

FAQs

How can I use "fast food" in a sentence?

You can use "fast food" to describe meals that are quickly prepared and served, often in a restaurant setting. For example, "After the game, we grabbed some "fast food" on the way home."

What are some alternatives to "fast food"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "quick service restaurant", "convenience food", or "takeout".

Is "fast food" generally considered healthy?

Generally, "fast food" is not considered a healthy option due to its high content of fats, salt, and processed ingredients. However, some establishments offer healthier alternatives.

What are some common examples of "fast food"?

Common examples of "fast food" include hamburgers, fries, pizza, tacos, and fried chicken, typically sold at fast-food restaurants.