going for dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

"going for dinner" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the act of leaving one's current location to have a meal. Example: We're planning on going for dinner at the new Italian restaurant on Main Street tonight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I knew where I was going for dinner.

The New Yorker

He adds it is no different from a civil servant going for dinner with a businessman.

The Guardian

that was followed by going for dinner with Jack Black, Gwen Stefani and fucking Dave Grohl.

The Guardian - Music

Evening routine: I finish work around 5 p.m., argue with my husband about where we are going for dinner.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If I communicate with a guy on Momo for around one month, and feel that I understand him, I would consider going for dinner".

The Guardian - Tech

It's a clear evening and we watch the sun sink into the sea before going for dinner in the first-floor restaurant/bar.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Oh, Claire went for dinner.

The New York Times

They go for dinner.

The Guardian

The band decided to go for dinner.

The New York Times

Where can I go for dinner?

Independent

Now where shall we go for dinner?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning an evening, specify the type of cuisine when using "going for dinner" to provide more clarity (e.g., "going for dinner at that new Italian place").

Common error

Avoid using "going for dinner" when the context requires more specific details. Saying "We are going for dinner" is less informative than specifying the restaurant or type of food.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going for dinner" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of seeking out and consuming a meal, often in a social context. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates the act of leaving one's current place to have a meal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going for dinner" is a common and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the act of seeking an evening meal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various situations. While versatile, it's important to consider context and specificity for clarity. Consider alternatives like ""dining out"" for restaurants, or ""having dinner"" for more general scenarios. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "going for dinner" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dining out

Focuses on the act of eating at a restaurant.

eating out

Similar to 'dining out', but slightly more informal.

having dinner

A more general term that doesn't necessarily imply leaving home.

going out to eat

Emphasizes the act of leaving home to eat.

heading to dinner

Implies movement towards a dinner location.

grabbing a bite

Suggests a quick and casual meal.

getting some supper

Uses an alternative word for dinner, 'supper', and is more informal.

attending a dinner

Suggests a more formal or organized event.

feasting

Implies a large or elaborate meal.

breaking bread

A more figurative and often communal way of describing sharing a meal.

FAQs

What does "going for dinner" mean?

"Going for dinner" means leaving one's current location or activity to eat a meal, usually in the evening, either at home or at a restaurant.

What can I say instead of "going for dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "dining out", "eating out", or "having dinner" depending on the context.

Is "going for dinner" formal or informal?

"Going for dinner" is generally considered neutral to informal. For more formal situations, "attending a dinner" or specifying the type of dinner event might be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say "go for dinner"?

Yes, "go for dinner" is correct, but "going for dinner" implies an ongoing or planned activity, whereas "go for dinner" is a more general suggestion or possibility.