informal gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "informal gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a social gathering which is not a formal occasion (such as a business meeting or a dance). For example, you could write "Last night, we had an informal gathering at my house with some friends and some delicious food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This will be an informal gathering with food and drink.

Columbia University

The rally began as an informal gathering of several enthusiasts and only a handful of vehicles.

The New York Times

Create informal gathering areas where people can engage in water-cooler-style chats.

Harvard Business Review

Every morning, the Captain will talk about sailing-related topics at an informal gathering on deck.

The Times

Other facilities include a 350-seat auditorium, a large café and other informal gathering spaces.

Cornell University

Last week, the victims, now released, told an informal gathering of parliamentarians of the harrowing conditions they experienced in detention.

The Economist

Curiously absent from the stage is Claire's daughter, Carolyn, whose birthday this informal gathering has been arranged to celebrate.

The New York Times

There was cold beer, hot pizza and shop talk at a recent informal gathering of Android programmers in downtown Manhattan.

The New York Times - Tech

There will be an informal gathering of family and friends on Saturday, September 6th from 3-5pm.

The New York Times

Anyone looking for an informal gathering of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy could do worse than this.

The New York Times - Magazine

In an informal gathering of 15 Haitians, a schoolteacher explained how he bought his home nearby for $7,000.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, use "informal gathering" to convey a relaxed and non-hierarchical atmosphere, suitable for social or collaborative interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "informal gathering" in formal business or academic reports. Opt for more precise terms like "meeting" or "session" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informal gathering" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event where people come together in a casual and unstructured manner. Ludwig shows its wide applicability across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "informal gathering" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a relaxed and unstructured meeting or social event. As Ludwig AI points out, it is frequently used in diverse contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, to social media. While "informal gathering" conveys a sense of casualness, remember to consider your audience and context to ensure the register is appropriate. Alternatives such as "casual get-together" or "relaxed meeting" may offer slightly different nuances, depending on the specific message you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual get-together

Replaces "gathering" with "get-together" emphasizing a more relaxed and social feel.

laid-back gathering

Highlights the relaxed and casual atmosphere of the meeting.

friendly get-together

Highlights the social and amicable aspect of the meeting.

relaxed meeting

Focuses on the lack of strict structure within the meeting.

impromptu meetup

Emphasizes the unplanned or spontaneous nature of the gathering.

easygoing social

Describes a relaxed social event, lacking strict conventions.

unceremonious assembly

Implies a lack of formality and a spontaneous nature.

unstructured session

Focuses on the absence of a rigid agenda or format.

uncharacterized convocation

Suggests the gathering lacks defined formalities.

intimate social

Implies a small and closely knit group in a casual setting.

FAQs

How to use "informal gathering" in a sentence?

You can use "informal gathering" to describe a casual get-together. For example, "The team decided to have an "informal gathering" after work to celebrate the project's success."

What can I say instead of "informal gathering"?

You can use alternatives like "casual get-together", "relaxed meeting", or "friendly get-together" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "informal gathering" or "formal gathering"?

"Informal gathering" is used to describe a casual meeting, while "formal gathering" refers to a structured and official meeting. The choice depends on the context of the event.

What's the difference between "informal gathering" and "meeting"?

A "meeting" is a general term for any gathering of people, while an "informal gathering" suggests a more relaxed and unstructured interaction.