make it a meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make it a meal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something should be turned into a complete meal, often in the context of cooking or dining. Example: "If you're feeling hungry, why not add a side salad and some bread to make it a meal?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It tries to eat other creatures and turns its quills toward predators that would make it a meal.

The New York Times - Science

Serve this as a nourishing soup, or make it a meal with some sticky rice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Intense, sweet and savoury, all it needs is some good bread to make it a meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do you like to keep yours simple, or make it a meal in itself like this one?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Call it soup, zuppa, broth, consomme, bisque, chowder, porridge or potage, but make it a meal; that was the original intent.

The New York Times - Magazine

To make it a meal, serve with white beans.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Make it a combo meal!

Columbia University

"Putting things on a plate doesn't make it a nutritious meal.

The New York Times

Make it a complete meal by starting with the Aum Aum pasta, prepared simply with tomatoes and eggplant (4 euros).

The New York Times - Travel

Or, make it a vegetarian meal and top with Parmesan cheese.

HuffPost

To make it a full meal, Mom added chopped mozzarella and cubed toasted bread.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make it a meal", consider what elements are needed to create a balanced and satisfying dining experience. Think about adding protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates for a complete nutritional profile.

Common error

Avoid simply adding empty calories to "make it a meal". Focus on incorporating nutrient-rich foods that provide sustained energy and health benefits, rather than just increasing the portion size with less healthy ingredients.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it a meal" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used in an imperative or suggestive manner. It encourages the transformation of a dish into a more substantial and complete dining experience. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct english sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make it a meal" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to suggest turning a dish into a more complete and satisfying dining experience. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. To effectively "make it a meal", consider adding elements for nutritional balance, focusing on protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Avoiding common pitfalls such as overlooking nutritional needs ensures the transformation is beneficial, creating a repast that is both fulfilling and healthy. Related phrases like ""turn it into a meal"" and ""complete the meal"" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn it into a meal

Emphasizes the transformation process, similar to "make it a meal".

complete the meal

Focuses on adding elements to achieve a full meal, implying a sense of finality.

make a complete lunch

Specifies lunch rather than encompassing all meals.

supplement with protein and vegetables

Highlights specific additions to enhance nutritional value, differing from the general concept of making a meal.

fortify to make a filling meal

Emphasizes increasing the satiety of the meal.

add a side to make it substantial

Suggests increasing quantity with a side dish, shifting emphasis from nutritional completeness to volume.

serve with a hearty side

Suggests a generous side dish to complement the main course, more specific than "make it a meal".

round out the dish

Implies completeness by refining existing elements instead of adding new ones.

make it a substantial repast

Uses more formal vocabulary, shifting the tone from casual to refined.

enhance with fillings

Specifically applicable when stuffing or filling food, unlike the general idea of a meal.

FAQs

How can I use "make it a meal" in a sentence?

You can use "make it a meal" to suggest adding components to a dish or snack to create a more complete and satisfying dining experience. For example, "Adding a side salad and some grilled chicken will "turn it into a meal"".

What does "make it a meal" typically imply?

The phrase "make it a meal" implies transforming a smaller dish or snack into something more substantial by adding elements that provide a more balanced and fulfilling dining experience. This often includes incorporating protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

Which is more appropriate, "make it a meal" or "make it a lunch"?

The better choice depends on the context. "Make it a meal" is general and applies to any dining occasion. "Make it a lunch" is more specific, suggesting that you're aiming to create a complete midday meal.

What can I add to a snack to "make it a meal"?

To "make a snack a meal", consider adding sources of protein (like nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt), complex carbohydrates (such as whole-grain crackers or oats), and healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil). This will "complete the meal" nutritionally.