small dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a meal that is modest in size or intended for a small gathering. Example: "We decided to have a small dinner with just a few close friends to celebrate our anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I think there was a small dinner".

The New York Times

In late March, Thiel hosted a small dinner party.

The New Yorker

He occasionally gives small dinner parties for them.

The New Yorker

They invited me and Michael to a small dinner in their apartment.

The New York Times

Would they be interested in helping to host a small dinner?

The New York Times

I recently hosted a small dinner party for a friend's birthday.

The New York Times

You're Delightful, Now Go I was the host of a small dinner party.

The New York Times

There will be at least four plates in the series, enough for a small dinner party.

The New York Times

"I had an argument with Prince Charles at a small dinner party," Mr Amis said.

Independent

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is holding a small dinner party Tuesday for Iowans.

The New York Times

Officials said the pair would then share a "small dinner" on Saturday night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small dinner" to indicate a meal that is not extravagant or overly elaborate.

Common error

Don't confuse the size of the gathering with the amount of food served. If you mean to say the portions were small, use "light meal" or "small portions" instead of "small dinner".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small dinner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective-noun combination to describe a meal that is limited in scale, either in terms of the number of attendees or the elaborateness of the food. As Ludwig highlights, the expression is commonly employed across various contexts to depict modest, intimate dining experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small dinner" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an intimate or modest meal gathering. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the intended meaning, whether it refers to the number of guests, the scale of the event, or the quantity of food. Alternatives like "intimate dinner" or "light supper" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context. Avoid using "small dinner" to describe the portion sizes, opting for terms like "light meal" instead. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "small dinner" in your writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate dinner

Emphasizes the personal and close nature of the dinner gathering.

modest dinner party

Highlights the simplicity and unpretentiousness of the dinner.

light supper

Focuses on the meal being less heavy or substantial.

cozy dinner

Suggests a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

casual dinner

Indicates an informal and relaxed setting.

small gathering for dinner

Emphasizes the limited number of people attending.

simple evening meal

Highlights the unelaborate nature of the dinner.

brief dinner

Implies the dinner is short in duration.

mini dinner

Conveys the diminutive size of the dinner.

petite dinner

Suggests the daintiness or smallness of the meal.

FAQs

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

You can use "small dinner" to describe a meal that is modest in size or intended for a small gathering. For example, "We are having a "small dinner" with close family tonight."

What can I say instead of "small dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "intimate dinner", "modest dinner party", or "light supper" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a small dinner party"?

Yes, "small dinner party" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It specifically refers to a small, informal gathering for dinner.

What is the difference between "small dinner" and "light dinner"?

"Small dinner" refers to the size or scale of the gathering, while "light dinner" typically refers to the quantity or type of food served. A small dinner can be a large meal shared with a small group of people, while a light dinner usually means a meal with few calories or courses.