it was dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific meal that has taken place in the past, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After a long day at work, I finally sat down to enjoy a meal with my family, and it was dinner that brought us all together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Most nights it was dinner for two.

The New Yorker

And, in any case, it was dinner, or soon to be.

The New Yorker

On Friday night, it was dinner at the Putins' until 12 30 a.m.

The New York Times

But it was dinner afterward that convinced him this was the real thing.

The New York Times - Science

It was dinner break at the Public Theater for the cast and crew of the new musical "Fun Home".

The New York Times

When it was dinner time, guests, some with hardened shells and jaded survival instincts — Nan Goldin, Glenn O'Brien and Bob Colacello among them — moved to an adjoining room.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Young voters learned about the issues at school and went home and talked to their parents - it was dinner-time conversation," he argues.

BBC

When it's dinner offer her your food if its her favorite.

WikiHow

It's dinner, who cares.

The New Yorker

"It's dinner tonight".

The New York Times

Then it's dinner.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was dinner" to set a scene or provide context in a narrative. For example, "The sun began to set, and it was dinner, a time for the family to gather and share their day."

Common error

Avoid using "it was dinner" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and descriptive language, like "the evening meal commenced" or "the dinner service began".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dinner" functions as a statement of fact or a descriptive element within a narrative. It typically introduces a scene or marks a transition to the time of day when dinner is served and eaten. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was dinner" is a grammatically correct and generally accepted phrase used to indicate that a particular time or occasion was dedicated to eating dinner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for narrative and descriptive contexts, and the phrase sees the most use in News & Media contexts. While semantically clear, it's less appropriate for formal or technical writing. The phrase primarily functions to inform or set the scene, establishing timing and context within a narrative. Alternatives such as "dinner was served" or "dinner time arrived" offer more descriptive options depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had dinner

Shifts the focus to the act of eating dinner.

dinner was served

Focuses on the action of serving dinner rather than simply stating it was dinner time.

it became dinner time

Highlights the transition to dinner time.

dinner time arrived

Emphasizes the arrival of the time for dinner.

it was time to eat

Broadens the statement to simply indicate it was time to eat.

the dinner bell rang

Implies a signal or announcement that it was time for dinner.

suppertime was upon us

Uses "suppertime" as a synonym for dinner, suggesting its arrival.

dinner took place

More formal way of saying dinner happened.

the evening meal commenced

A more formal and elaborate way to express the beginning of dinner.

the main course began

Focuses on the start of the main course specifically.

FAQs

How can I use "it was dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "it was dinner" to indicate that a specific time or occasion was for eating dinner. For example, "After a long day, "it was dinner", a welcome break."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was dinner"?

Alternatives include "dinner was served", "dinner time arrived", or "we had dinner", depending on the context.

Is "it was dinner" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was dinner" is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday language to refer to a specific mealtime.

When is it appropriate to use "it was dinner"?

It's appropriate in narrative or descriptive contexts to indicate that a particular time or event was dedicated to having dinner. It is less appropriate in formal or technical writing.