on the menu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the menu" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to items being offered for sale, or being available for selection at a restaurant, store, etc. For example, "This evening's specials are on the menu, and include salmon and steak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not on the menu".

The New York Times - Food

On the menu is Spam.

The New York Times - Food

CUSTOMER: What's on the menu?

The New Yorker

"They are on the menu".

The New York Times - Magazine

So, what's on the menu?

The New Yorker

What's on the menu, Silvio?

Independent

Meat is on the menu.

The New York Times - Food

What's next on the menu?

Independent

On the menu: practically everything.

The New York Times - Travel

On the menu?

The New York Times - Style

Humor was on the menu, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the menu", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being offered or available. For example, specify if it's food, services, or options.

Common error

Avoid using "on the menu" when referring to abstract concepts or situations where a literal menu is not involved. For instance, avoid saying "peace was on the menu" unless you're speaking metaphorically about a negotiation's agenda.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the menu" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate availability or inclusion. Ludwig's examples show its common use in referring to food items in restaurants or options being considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the menu" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to denote availability or inclusion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it commonly refers to food and drink options in restaurants but extends metaphorically to various other contexts. Alternatives include "available for selection" and "featured on the list". Use it to clearly indicate what is being offered, while avoiding its application to abstract concepts without a literal menu. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and its neutral register makes it suitable for various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

listed among the dishes

Specifically relates to food items appearing on a menu.

featured on the list

Specifically refers to an item being present on a written list.

part of the selection

Indicates that something is one of the available options.

available for selection

Focuses on the act of choosing from a set of options.

included in the offerings

Emphasizes the inclusion of something within a set of available items.

offered as a choice

Highlights the offering of something as an option.

on offer

A more concise way of saying something is available.

served at the establishment

Focuses on the act of serving something in a particular place.

obtainable upon request

Highlights the possibility of getting something if asked for.

showcased in the lineup

Emphasizes the presentation of items in an organized arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "on the menu" in a sentence?

You can use "on the menu" to indicate what options are available, such as in a restaurant: "What's "on the menu" tonight?" or more figuratively: "Solving this crisis is definitely "on the menu" for discussion".

What's a more formal alternative to "on the menu"?

In formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "available selections", "featured items", or "part of the offerings". For example, instead of "dessert is "on the menu"", you could say "dessert options are among the available selections".

Is it correct to say something is "off the menu"?

Yes, "off the menu" is a common and correct phrase, indicating that something is not available or not part of the standard offerings. For example: "That dish is delicious, but it's "off the menu" right now".

Can "on the menu" be used for things other than food?

Yes, while often used in the context of food and restaurants, "on the menu" can be used metaphorically to describe any set of options or possibilities that are currently being considered or offered. For example: "Restructuring the department is "on the menu" during the next board meeting".