simple dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a meal that is easy to prepare or not elaborate. Example: "Tonight, we're having a simple dinner of pasta and salad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A simple dinner for four shouldn't cost more than £20.

The Guardian - Travel

I had pulled together a simple dinner — roast chicken, good bread, olives, cherries, wine.

The New York Times

At six o' clock, he made a simple dinner and ate it by himself.

The New Yorker

A simple dinner for two can stay under $23 with the house wine.

The New York Times - Travel

Even a simple dinner becomes a game of conversational chess, without all the pieces.

The New York Times - Style

When I finish work, I relax by cutting and chopping and cooking a simple dinner for the family.

The New York Times - Food

The mayor does not take work home, preferring a simple dinner and perhaps a good book on history.

The New York Times

It is a relatively simple dinner to prepare well if you have a good grasp of the fundamental techniques.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The hours we spend together cooking these simple dinners have created an unusual bond.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cold noodles, hot-and-sour tofu, chicken curry: The warm days ahead should be packed with simple dinners.

The New York Times

An easy, delicious dish that you might enjoy both with Indian meals and with simple dinners of roast and grilled meats.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simple dinner" in contexts where you want to emphasize the lack of complexity or extravagance in a meal. It's perfect for describing a meal that's easy to prepare and doesn't require a lot of fancy ingredients or techniques.

Common error

While "simple dinner" is a useful phrase, avoid relying on it too frequently. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "easy meal" or "quick dinner" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple dinner" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "simple" modifies the noun "dinner". It describes a meal that is not elaborate or complicated. Ludwig AI validates that it's a commonly used and understood expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Lifestyle

35%

Food

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simple dinner" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively describes a meal characterized by its ease of preparation and lack of complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Lifestyle publications. While the phrase is useful, consider using alternatives like "easy meal" or "quick dinner" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy meal

Focuses on the ease of preparation rather than the type of meal.

quick dinner

Emphasizes the short amount of time required to prepare the meal.

light supper

Highlights the small portion size or calorie count of the meal.

casual dinner

Refers to an informal dining setting.

basic dinner

Indicates a meal composed of essential or fundamental ingredients.

uncomplicated dinner

Stresses the lack of complexity in the meal's preparation or ingredients.

modest dinner

Highlights the humbleness and lack of extravagance in the meal.

effortless dinner

Stresses the ease and minimal effort required to create the meal.

painless dinner

Implies that the preparation of the meal is straightforward and without difficulty.

straightforward dinner

Conveys that the preparation and ingredients of the meal are uncomplicated and direct.

FAQs

How can I use "simple dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "simple dinner" to describe a meal that is easy to prepare or not elaborate. For example: "After a long day at work, I just wanted a "simple dinner" of pasta and salad".

What can I say instead of "simple dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "easy meal", "quick dinner", or "light supper" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a simply dinner"?

No, the correct phrase is "a simple dinner". "Simple" is an adjective that directly modifies the noun "dinner". Using the adverb "simply" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "simple dinner" and "easy dinner"?

While both phrases imply a meal that is not complicated, "simple dinner" often refers to the ingredients or presentation being basic, whereas "easy dinner" emphasizes the ease of preparation. The phrase "easy dinner" suggests the meal requires little effort to make.