main dishes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main dishes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or most significant food items served during a meal, typically in the context of a menu or dining experience. Example: "The restaurant's menu features a variety of main dishes, including grilled salmon and roasted vegetable pasta."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Main dishes from €14.

The Guardian - Travel

Main dishes were consistently good.

The New York Times

Main dishes from £7.50.

The Guardian - Travel

The main dishes we sampled were uneven.

The New York Times

Brunch: main dishes, $10 to $22.

The New York Times

Main dishes, $7 to $18.

The New York Times

Indeed, accompaniments sometimes outshine main dishes.

The New Yorker

Main dishes at dinner, $15 to $24.

The New York Times

Main dishes were equally satisfying.

The New York Times

PRICES -- Lunch, main dishes, $8 to $14.

The New York Times

Main dishes are mostly $12.50 to $22.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a restaurant menu, use "main dishes" to clearly indicate the most substantial and important items offered. This is especially helpful for readers unfamiliar with culinary terminology.

Common error

Avoid replacing "main dishes" with overly technical or obscure culinary terms that may confuse your audience. Clarity is key when describing food.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main dishes" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify and categorize the primary food items served in a meal. As indicated by Ludwig, it correctly describes the central components of a dining experience, evident in examples such as "Main dishes from €14" and "Main dishes are mostly $12.50 to $22."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main dishes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, referring to the primary food items in a meal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate and effective in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that its primary function is descriptive, often used to categorize menu options, discuss pricing, or describe culinary experiences. While it maintains a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, it’s important to avoid overusing technical culinary terms to maintain clarity. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary courses

Focuses on the sequence of a meal, emphasizing the order of service.

principal offerings

Highlights the key food items a restaurant features on its menu.

signature plates

Suggests dishes that are particularly characteristic of a restaurant or chef.

entrees

A synonym for "main dishes", widely used in formal dining contexts.

chief selections

Emphasizes the selection aspect, implying a curated list of important dishes.

substantial meals

Emphasizes the filling and hearty nature of the dishes.

featured items

Highlights the dishes a restaurant wants to promote.

central courses

Indicates the main part of a multi-course meal.

significant plates

Highlights the importance or impressiveness of the dishes.

dinner options

Provides a broader term that encompasses all choices available for the main part of the meal.

FAQs

How can I use "main dishes" in a sentence?

You can use "main dishes" to describe the most substantial items on a menu. For example: "The restaurant is known for its creative "main dishes", which include both vegetarian and meat options."

What's a good alternative to "main dishes"?

Depending on the context, you can use "entrees", "primary courses", or "signature plates" as alternatives to "main dishes".

Is it more formal to say "entrees" or "main dishes"?

Entrees is generally considered more formal than "main dishes", especially in fine dining contexts.

What are some examples of common "main dishes"?

Common "main dishes" include steak, pasta, chicken, and fish, often served with sides like vegetables or potatoes.