over lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

"over lunch" is a grammatically correct expression in written English.
It is typically used to describe having a conversation or engagement at the time of the midday meal. For example, "We discussed the project over lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You thieves," said the governor.The recriminations over, lunch was served.

The Economist

But afterward, over lunch at….

The New Yorker

She calmed down over lunch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over lunch, I asked why.

The New Yorker

And chosen over lunch.

The New York Times

Over lunch, they can be socially inert.

The New York Times

An off-handed comment over lunch.

The New York Times

Over lunch, the engagement is resumed.

The New Yorker

He proposed discussing it over lunch.

The New Yorker

Over lunch, he revealed his Everest plan.

The New Yorker

I don't gossip over lunch.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a more formal lunchtime event, consider using "at a luncheon" or "during a lunch meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "over lunch" in highly formal documents or presentations. Opt for phrases like "during the midday meeting" or "at the luncheon" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over lunch" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate when or where an action occurs. Ludwig examples show it commonly describes conversations, decisions, or meetings happening during the lunchtime period. Ludwig AI also confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over lunch" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that an event transpired during lunchtime. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to specify the timing and context of actions. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal and is frequently found in news articles and casual conversation. For more formal settings, alternatives like "during the midday meal" or "at a luncheon" might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples illustrate its wide application, and understanding its nuances can improve your writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during lunch

Focuses on the activity happening during the lunchtime period, emphasizing the timing.

at lunchtime

Highlights a specific point in time when lunch is typically consumed.

while having lunch

Emphasizes the action of eating lunch as the context for another activity.

during the lunch break

Specifies a designated period for lunch, often in a workplace or school setting.

at the midday meal

A more formal way of referring to lunchtime.

across the lunch table

Suggests a physical setting where interactions take place during lunch.

during a lunch meeting

Highlights the formal setting of a meeting taking place during lunch.

at a luncheon

Refers to a formal lunch event.

while lunching

Emphasizes the act of eating lunch.

during repast

A formal and less common way to describe eating lunch.

FAQs

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

You can use "over lunch" to indicate that a conversation, meeting, or event took place during the lunchtime period. For example, "We finalized the deal "over lunch"".

What's a more formal alternative to "over lunch"?

For formal contexts, you might use phrases like "during the midday meal", "at a luncheon", or "during a scheduled meeting". These alternatives provide a more professional tone compared to the casual "over lunch".

Is it always appropriate to use "over lunch" in professional writing?

While "over lunch" is widely understood, it may not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Consider the context and audience when choosing your words, and opt for more formal alternatives like "during the midday meal" or "at a luncheon" if necessary.

What's the difference between "over lunch" and "at lunch"?

"Over lunch" typically implies an activity or discussion happening during the meal, while "at lunch" refers more generally to the time when lunch is taken. For instance, "We talked about the project over lunch", versus "I'll be at lunch from 12 to 1".