light dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a meal that is not heavy or filling, often eaten in the evening. Example: "After a long day, I prefer to have a light dinner, such as a salad or soup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And it was an ideal spot for a light dinner.

The New York Times

6 45 Eat light dinner of potato and broccoli knish.

The New York Times

It would make a lovely light dinner as well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It makes a hearty breakfast, an unusual lunch or a light dinner.

The New York Times

The previous evening he seemed fine; he even prepared a light dinner for us.

The New Yorker

You ordered a light dinner of seared breast of chicken, sugar snap peas and new potatoes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We go to a restaurant or to a pizzeria if we want a light dinner.

The New York Times - Travel

Thursday from 4 30 to 9 30 p.m. Tickets: $25, including light dinner and child care.

The New York Times

Served with a salad, it can even be a light dinner.

The New York Times

My light dinner (12 oysters, soup, bread and three half-glasses of wine) cost $26.

The New York Times - Travel

For a light dinner, or a late-night snack, there's much on the menu to be savored.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a healthier lifestyle, consider planning a "light dinner" consisting of lean protein and plenty of vegetables to promote better sleep and digestion.

Common error

While "light dinner" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, opt for more descriptive and sophisticated language such as "modest evening meal" or "simple repast" in formal writing to enhance your style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light dinner" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig indicates it correctly describes a meal that is not heavy or filling, usually consumed in the evening. Examples include: "It would make a lovely light dinner as well".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light dinner" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a meal that is not heavy or filling, often eaten in the evening. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, although its presence is also notable in Wiki articles. While perfectly acceptable for general use, more descriptive alternatives like "modest evening meal" may be preferable in formal writing. Ultimately, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest supper

Uses "modest" in place of "light" and offers "supper" as a near synonym for dinner, which often implies a less elaborate meal.

simple evening meal

Substitutes "light" with "simple" and "dinner" with "evening meal", providing a more descriptive alternative.

insubstantial dinner

Focuses on the lack of substance or filling nature of the meal.

small repast

Replaces "dinner" with a more formal and somewhat archaic term for a meal, emphasizing the small size.

easy to digest dinner

Focuses on the digestibility aspect of a light meal, implying it won't be heavy on the stomach.

small evening snack

Replaces “dinner” with “snack” to suggest something even less substantial than a typical light dinner.

quick evening bite

Emphasizes speed and small portion size, suggesting a very brief and unsubstantial meal.

negligible dinner

Highlights the minimal quantity of food consumed, bordering on humorous understatement.

unscheduled dinner

Highlights that is not scheduled.

tasting dinner

Focuses on tasting new flavor and variety.

FAQs

What constitutes a "light dinner"?

A "light dinner" typically consists of easily digestible foods in smaller portions, such as salads, soups, or a small portion of lean protein with vegetables. It's meant to be less heavy than a typical evening meal.

What are some synonyms for "light dinner"?

Alternatives to "light dinner" include "light supper", "small repast", "simple evening meal", or "modest supper", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it better to have a "light dinner" or a heavy one?

Whether a "light dinner" is preferable depends on individual needs and preferences. A light dinner can aid digestion and promote better sleep for some, while others may find a more substantial meal more satisfying. It's often recommended for those managing weight or experiencing digestive issues.

How can I make a "light dinner" more satisfying?

To make a "light dinner" more satisfying, focus on nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats. Adding herbs and spices can also enhance the flavor and make the meal more enjoyable.