lunch then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lunch then" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used informally to indicate that lunch will follow a previous action or event, but it is better to provide more context for clarity. Example: "We can finish the meeting, and then lunch then."

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was lunch, then dinner.

The New York Times

Late lunch, then table football.

The Guardian

If not lunch then at least a snack.

The New York Times

"If it was other people grabbing lunch, then it's good".

The New York Times

How come her eyebrow hasn't arched once during lunch then?

The Guardian

First a Navy training film was shown, then lunch, then "Slattery's Hurricane".

The New Yorker

I'd get off a plane, have lunch, then dinner, and fly on to the next destination.

The New York Times - Food

Have a snack mid-morning, lunch, then a mid-afternoon snack followed by your evening meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of those bears, a grizzly, approached as I was preparing lunch, then lumbered away.

The New York Times

We lingered over lunch, then headed south toward Lake Waramaug in the Litchfield Hills.

The New York Times - Travel

After our last service, we had a quiet lunch, then I took the staff out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lunch then", ensure the context clearly establishes the sequence of events to avoid ambiguity. Providing additional context can improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lunch then" without clearly indicating what precedes it. This can leave readers unsure of the intended order of activities. For example, instead of "Meeting, lunch then", use "After the meeting, we'll have lunch" or "We will meet, "followed by lunch"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lunch then" functions as an elliptical connector, indicating a sequence of events where lunch follows a preceding activity. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it's used to quickly outline a schedule or plan.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Sport

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lunch then" is a frequently used phrase to indicate that lunch will follow a preceding event or activity. While Ludwig AI suggests its use is acceptable, it's worth noting it's not considered grammatically perfect, tending towards informal usage. For enhanced clarity, especially in formal contexts, consider alternatives such as ""followed by lunch"" or "lunch afterward". The phrase is commonly found in news articles, lifestyle content, and travel writing, making it a widely recognized, though not always strictly grammatical, expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lunch afterward

Emphasizes that lunch occurs at some point after a preceding action.

lunch next

Highlights that lunch is the immediate next step in a sequence of events.

followed by lunch

Clearly indicates that lunch is the subsequent activity.

lunch after that

Specifies that lunch takes place after a previous event has concluded.

subsequently, lunch

More formally states that lunch follows the initial action.

lunch is next

Highlights that lunch is the immediate next step in a sequence of events.

lunch comes after

Emphasizes that lunch occurs after the completion of something else.

later, lunch

Suggests lunch happens at some unspecified time later.

lunch will follow

A more formal way of saying that lunch will happen after something else.

we'll have lunch after

More informal and specific, indicating a group decision to have lunch following an event.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "lunch then" more clear?

To improve clarity, specify what comes before lunch. Instead of just saying "lunch then", try phrases like "After the presentation, "we will have lunch"" or "Following the meeting, lunch will be served".

Is "lunch then" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, especially in informal contexts, "lunch then" is not the most grammatically precise way to express a sequence of events. Alternatives like "after lunch" or "lunch afterward" may be preferred in formal writing.

What does "lunch then" imply about the timing of lunch?

"Lunch then" implies that lunch will occur sometime after a specific event or activity. It indicates a sequence where lunch is the subsequent step or part of a planned schedule.

What are some alternatives to "lunch then" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "subsequently, lunch", "lunch will follow", or "lunch will be served afterward". These options provide a clearer and more professional expression of the sequence.