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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
having guests over
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
All in all, the team expects Goldbely customers to reserve orders for special occasions, when they're throwing a house party or having guests over.
News & Media
Then, fast-forward a few years later, and you'd be having guests over to meet your new baby.
News & Media
These gatherings have evolved to become significantly less extravagant, but the idea of having guests over for tea and an abundance of sweets still remains.
News & Media
If you're having guests over to the house, particularly younger kids, they may not be as careful about closing doors and gates as you are.
News & Media
Be very cautious when having guests over.
Wiki
Act excited about having guests over to your house.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
Even though you need to rustle up the three components, it is an easy choice when you have guests over, as everything can be made in advance.
News & Media
"How would I have guests over?
News & Media
With the new color, "he was happy to have guests over," Mr. Manwaring said.
News & Media
"We had guests over the years saying, 'This is delicious, you should package this,' " said her son Calvin Virgilio.
News & Media
Many people have had their stove give them a hard time when they have had guests over for dinner.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Common error
Avoid saying "having guests over to home" as "over" already implies the movement to your residence. Simply saying "having guests over" is sufficient and idiomatic.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "having guests over" functions as a gerund or present participle phrase. In many instances found in Ludwig, it acts as the object of a preposition (e.g. "about "having guests over"") or as part of a conditional clause describing a lifestyle scenario.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Wiki
35%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Science
2%
Academia
2%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "having guests over" is a staple of idiomatic English, perfectly balancing clarity and a welcoming tone. According to Ludwig AI and the analyzed data, it is extensively used in high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Guardian to discuss home-life, social responsibilities and hospitality. It is a highly versatile expression suitable for most writing contexts, from practical advice columns on WikiHow to narrative storytelling in The New Yorker. While synonymous with "having people over", it carries a slightly more polite connotation due to the use of the word "guests" rather than the more generic "people".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
having people over
More informal and general than using the word guests
hosting guests
Slightly more formal and emphasizes the role of the host
having company over
A collective term that feels warm and slightly more traditional
having company
Drops the preposition over but retains the same general meaning
entertaining guests
Suggests a specific effort to provide food or amusement
having friends over
Specifies a closer personal relationship with the visitors
inviting guests over
Focuses on the initial action of asking people to come
receiving visitors
Much more formal and often used in professional or traditional contexts
welcoming guests
Emphasizes the hospitable attitude toward the arrivals
having guests sleep over
Specifies that the visit includes an overnight stay
FAQs
What is the meaning of "having guests over"?
It means to invite and host people at your home for a period of time. It is a common way to describe social gatherings at a private residence.
Is it correct to say "having guests over" in a business email?
It is generally acceptable in a semi-formal or neutral business context, though "hosting guests" might sound more professional.
Can I say "having guests" without the word "over"?
Yes, but adding "over" emphasizes that they are visiting your specific location or home. Without "over", it could simply mean they are under your care or at your event in a general sense.
What is a more formal way to say "having guests over"?
You can use alternatives like "receiving visitors" or "entertaining company" depending on the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested