having dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

"having dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you're referring to a meal that is being eaten, such as in the sentence "We had a great time having dinner together last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is he there having dinner?

The New Yorker

We tried having dinner parties.

The New Yorker

"We're just having dinner".

The New Yorker

Home having dinner with their families.

The New York Times

"The president is having dinner".

The New York Times - Magazine

Imagine having dinner in the London Dungeon.

The Guardian - Travel

It's like having dinner in an aquarium.

The New York Times

There was the possibility of having dinner.

The New York Times - Style

"We're having dinner soonish," Michael said.

The New Yorker

Ends with friends having dinner and gossiping.

The New Yorker

I'm not out having dinner or all these different things.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having dinner" to describe an ongoing state. For example, "Having dinner with family is important."

Common error

In formal writing, consider using more concise alternatives like "dining" or "attending a dinner" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having dinner" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes the action of eating the evening meal. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as describing ongoing activities or planned events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having dinner" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe the act of eating an evening meal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and suitable for many situations. While it is widely used across various contexts, ranging from casual to formal, it is mostly found in News & Media. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "dining" or "attending a dinner". The plentiful examples available through Ludwig highlight the phrase's versatility and general acceptance in modern English. Remember to consider your audience and context when deciding whether "having dinner" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eating dinner

This alternative replaces the gerund "having" with the active verb "eating", emphasizing the action of consuming the meal.

dining

This alternative is a more concise and slightly more formal way to describe the act of eating dinner.

enjoying dinner

This alternative focuses on the pleasurable aspect of eating.

dinner

This alternative is a direct, concise noun form referring to the evening meal.

partaking in dinner

This alternative adds a touch of formality, suggesting a more deliberate or ceremonial engagement with the meal.

attending dinner

This alternative implies a planned or organized dinner event, rather than a casual meal.

sitting down to dinner

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of the meal and the act of being seated.

sharing a meal

This alternative highlights the communal aspect of eating together.

hosting dinner

This alternative indicates that someone is organizing and providing the meal.

preparing dinner

This alternative shifts the focus to the act of making the meal rather than consuming it.

FAQs

How do I use "having dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "having dinner" to describe the action of eating dinner, as in "We are "having dinner" at a new restaurant tonight".

What are some alternatives to "having dinner"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dining", "eating dinner", or simply "dinner" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "having dinner"?

Yes, "having dinner" is grammatically correct. It is a gerund phrase that functions as a noun and is commonly used in English.

What's the difference between "having dinner" and "eating dinner"?

While both phrases are similar, "having dinner" often implies a broader experience, while "eating dinner" focuses more specifically on the act of consuming food. The two are largely interchangeable, however.