leaving a dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaving a dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of departing from a dinner event or meal. Example: "After enjoying a delightful meal, we decided it was time for leaving a dinner and heading home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Say, leaving a dinner.

The New York Times

A week later, police accosted a friend of mine as she was leaving a dinner.

The Guardian

Some issues are silly, like Larry refusing to submit to the etiquette about not leaving a dinner party before dessert.

The New York Times

On leaving a dinner at the London home of fellow novelist Hanif Kureishi, he recalled that "one of the police officers left his gun behind.

The Guardian - Books

Godoi, whose career was marked by several controversial calls in matches that were heavily bet outside Brazil, is in critical condition at a São Paulo hospital with four gunshots to the neck and chest after leaving a dinner with friends.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In 1926, while on a Congressional trip to the Philippines, he left a dinner in a "rage" when Vice-Governor blamed the Democratic Party for misrule in the Islands.

The New Yorker

If they're lucky, that leaves a dinner of sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce and maybe some green beans.

The New York Times

"But, let's be honest, isn't giving a verdict what we all did when we left a dinner party anyway?

Independent

As he left a dinner hosted by the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister was told that a story was breaking back home that a millionaire had been hiding donations to Labour.

The Guardian

An opera based on Buñuel's surreal film where 20 people who cannot leave a dinner party behave like animals and make love to each while civilisation disintegrates is to be a highlight of the Royal Opera's new season.

The Guardian

For instance, in recounting the death in 1971 of Lin Biao, Mao's defense minister and chosen successor, she relies on an account, now discredited, that suggests that Mao had him murdered as he left a dinner party.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving a dinner", consider the context and choose a synonym if a more formal or descriptive term is appropriate. For example, "departing from a dinner" might suit a business event, while "walking out on a dinner" suggests a more dramatic departure.

Common error

Avoid using "leaving a dinner" in highly formal contexts where a more sophisticated term like "taking one's leave" or "departing" would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving a dinner" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, where examples show it describing the act of departing from a dinner event. It often acts as a noun, describing an activity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leaving a dinner" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of departing from a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although its frequency is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, consider the formality of the situation and explore alternatives like "departing from a dinner" for more formal settings. Understanding the nuances of context will help you choose the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departing from a dinner

More formal synonym for "leaving".

exiting a dinner

Similar to departing but can also refer to physically leaving the dining area.

making an exit from a dinner

Focuses on the act of leaving as a performance or event.

taking one's leave from a dinner

A polite and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying goodbye.

bowing out of a dinner

Suggests a graceful or planned departure.

absenting oneself from a dinner

Highly formal and emphasizes the act of removing oneself.

retiring from a dinner

More formal and implies a withdrawal, often later in the evening.

quitting a dinner

Implies a more abrupt or discontented departure.

vacating a dinner

Emphasizes the physical space left behind.

walking out on a dinner

Suggests disapproval or a strong reason for leaving.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "leaving a dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "departing from a dinner", "exiting a dinner", or "taking one's leave from a dinner depending on the context.

Is "leaving a dinner" grammatically correct?

Yes, "leaving a dinner" is grammatically correct. It functions as a gerund phrase, often used to describe an action or event.

How to use "leaving a dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "leaving a dinner" to describe the act of departing from a meal, for example: "A week later, police accosted a friend of mine as she was leaving a dinner."

What's the difference between "leaving a dinner" and "left a dinner"?

"Leaving a dinner" implies an ongoing action (gerund), while "left a dinner" is a completed action (past tense). For example, "leaving a dinner" (in progress), versus "he left a dinner early" (completed action).