long lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an extended lunch break, often implying a leisurely or social meal rather than a quick one. Example: "We decided to have a long lunch at the new restaurant downtown to catch up and enjoy some good food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's just a long lunch".

The New Yorker

Their long lunch was a success.

The Economist

Today, about all you're guaranteed is a long lunch break.

The New Yorker

I went to see Trazic recently for a long lunch.

The New York Times

I had a long lunch with him there last month.

The New York Times

It was, I predicted, going to be a long lunch.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Senate leaders allowed an extra-long lunch hour for anyone needing to make alternative arrangements.

The New York Times

For his hour-long lunch, Hitler would supervise the seating plan.

The Guardian - Books

What was to be an hour-long lunch lasted until 6pm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Work patterns in Italy revolve around the midday meal, though the leisurely two-hour-long lunch break is disappearing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Didn't she tell the boss when you took that extra-long lunch break?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a "long lunch", consider the context. In a business setting, ensure it aligns with company culture. In social situations, it sets a tone for a leisurely and enjoyable experience.

Common error

While "long lunch" is widely understood, avoid excessive use in highly formal business documents or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "extended meeting over lunch" or "business luncheon" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long lunch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "long" modifies the noun "lunch". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the duration or nature of the lunch period. Ludwig AI shows examples of it being used in various contexts, from describing business meetings to leisurely meals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long lunch" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an extended midday meal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle content. While generally neutral in tone, avoid overusing it in very formal settings. Consider alternatives like "extended lunch break" or "leisurely midday meal" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that the primary purpose of using the phrase is to communicate that the lunch is not a quick affair, but rather a relaxed and possibly social experience. Always consider your audience and context when choosing whether to use "long lunch" or a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged lunch

Synonymous, but emphasizes the extension of the usual lunch duration.

lengthy lunch

Direct synonym, highlighting the duration.

extended lunch break

Focuses on the duration of the break rather than the meal itself.

leisurely midday meal

Emphasizes the relaxed and unhurried nature of the lunch.

lingering lunch

Suggests a lunch that is enjoyed slowly and lasts longer as a result.

drawn-out lunch

Highlights the prolonged duration of the lunch.

lunch that stretches on

Describes the lunch as continuing for an extended period.

long midday repast

Uses a more formal term for meal, indicating a longer, more elaborate lunch.

late lunch

Shifts the focus to the timing of the lunch, suggesting it's later than usual, which may imply it's longer.

multi-course lunch

Describes the lunch as consisting of multiple courses, implying a longer duration.

FAQs

How can I use "long lunch" in a sentence?

You can use "long lunch" to describe an extended midday meal. For example: "We decided to have a "long lunch" to celebrate the successful project completion" or "The team enjoyed a "long lunch" at the new Italian restaurant."

What are some alternatives to "long lunch"?

Alternatives include "extended lunch break", "leisurely midday meal", or "prolonged lunch". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "long lunch"?

Yes, "long lunch" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard adjective-noun word order.

What is the difference between "long lunch" and "quick lunch"?

"Long lunch" refers to a lunch break that is longer than usual, allowing for a more relaxed or social meal. In contrast, "quick lunch" implies a short and efficient meal, often consumed in haste.