share a meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "share a meal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of eating together with someone, often implying a sense of camaraderie or connection. Example: "Let's share a meal together this weekend to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Offer to buy a sandwich and share a meal with them.

Huffington Post

Once a month, they meet at the Navy camp's northeast gate to hold talks and share a meal.

The New York Times

They wouldn't go out and share a meal together.

The New York Times

We also started a free Monday lunch to bring everybody together to share a meal.

The New York Times

That probably depends on the candidate viewed as being more fun to share a meal with.

The New York Times

"There was congeniality there in which you could share a meal and sometimes even war stories".

The New York Times

"Isn't it to meet people, to offer them a good meal, to share a meal with them?

The New York Times - Travel

Anyone can drink at the bar, naturally, or share a meal, but one may not order randomly from any menu.

The New York Times

Set a good example by inviting friends and neighbors to share a meal, and by joining community activities.

Harvard University

Once they arrive, they will share a meal with the living during an all-night vigil in the town cemetery.

The New York Times - Food

Dining out is easy: share a meal with a friend or take half home and eat it later.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "share a meal" to emphasize the communal aspect of eating together, highlighting the social connection and shared experience. It's particularly effective in contexts where fostering relationships or building community is important.

Common error

While "share a meal" is generally acceptable, it might sound too informal in very formal writing. Consider using "dine together" or "partake in a meal" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "share a meal" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "share" acts as a transitive verb with "a meal" serving as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used in English to describe the act of eating together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "share a meal" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the act of eating together, often implying camaraderie and social connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, with a generally neutral to informal register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "have a meal together" or "dine together", adjusting based on the desired level of formality. To make the most of this phrase, use it to underscore the communal and relational aspects of dining, and be mindful of avoiding overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a meal together

Focuses on the act of eating together, omitting the sense of sharing the same portion.

enjoy a meal together

Emphasizes the pleasure and shared experience of eating.

eat together

A more general term for dining in company, without specific implication of sharing.

join for a meal

Focuses on the act of becoming part of a group for dining.

break bread together

Implies a more ceremonial or symbolic sharing of food.

dine together

A more formal way of saying eat together.

communal dining

Describes the practice of sharing a meal as a community or group.

partake in a meal

Highlights the act of participating in a shared dining experience.

sup together

An archaic term for having supper, implying a close and intimate gathering.

share food

Broadly refers to the act of sharing sustenance, not necessarily a structured meal.

FAQs

What does "share a meal" mean?

To "share a meal" means to eat a meal together with someone, implying a sense of connection or camaraderie. It suggests a social interaction centered around food.

What can I say instead of "share a meal"?

You can use alternatives like "have a meal together", "eat together", or "dine together" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it correct to say "share a meal"?

Yes, "share a meal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It accurately describes the act of eating together.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "share a meal"?

The phrase "share a meal" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, from informal gatherings with friends to more formal occasions where you want to emphasize the communal aspect of dining. It's particularly suitable when you want to highlight the social connection and shared experience.