small lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a meal that is not large in portion size, typically eaten during midday. Example: "I only had a small lunch today because I wasn't very hungry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The small lunch and dinner menus change daily.

The New York Times - Travel

A small lunch counter opens onto a deck overlooking the lake.

The New York Times - Travel

Sometimes harshly, they critique the show, which is typically a small lunch for a few editors, critics and buyers.

The New York Times

Still, it was a small lunch, so I went back to the cheese shop side to look for a snack to eat later.

The New York Times - Travel

Other times, I sat at a small lunch table with only one other physician (plus the rep), having what amounted to a conversation about treating depression.

The New York Times - Magazine

The pope, who will preside over a gathering of cardinals next week, did receive a birthday torte at a small lunch with Vatican aides.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But a growing number of critics say that even those small lunches should be banned.

The New York Times

The sessions in Davos were held in a conference center, and small lunches, big dinners and other events took place in the wood-beam dining rooms of ski hotels that dot the village and act as a great leveler.

The New York Times - Style

City Secret: A small lunch-only restaurant downtown opened quietly a few months back.

Los Angeles Times

This followed a smaller lunch with a US congressman, Charles Rangel.

The Guardian

(In the smaller lunch version, piglet platter, the beef was dried out and the grits were cheeseless, however).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning your daily meals, consider opting for a "small lunch" to maintain energy levels throughout the afternoon without experiencing a post-lunch slump.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the portion size of a "small lunch" and neglecting its nutritional value. Ensure it still provides essential nutrients to fuel your afternoon activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small lunch" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "lunch". It describes a lunch that is limited in size or quantity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small lunch" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a lunch that is not large in size. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Alternative phrases include "light lunch" or "modest lunch". It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and offers a simple and direct way to describe a meal. It's important to consider the nutritional value of a "small lunch", ensuring it provides essential nutrients, rather than focusing solely on portion size. When communicating about diets, events or describing general meals, it is a versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light lunch

Replaces 'small' with 'light' to emphasize the meal's low caloric content or portion size.

modest lunch

Substitutes 'small' with 'modest', indicating a simple and unpretentious meal.

petite lunch

Uses 'petite' instead of 'small', implying a delicate or dainty meal, often used in a more refined context.

simple lunch

Replaces 'small' with 'simple' to highlight the uncomplicated nature of the meal.

quick lunch

Focuses on the speed of the meal rather than the portion size.

mini lunch

Emphasizes the extremely reduced size of the meal.

brief lunch

Highlights the short duration of the lunch break.

small midday meal

Replaces "lunch" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the time of day.

bite-sized lunch

Indicates that the lunch is composed of very small portions.

light repast

Offers a more formal and old-fashioned alternative to "small lunch", suggesting a light and elegant meal.

FAQs

How to use "small lunch" in a sentence?

You can use "small lunch" to describe a meal that is not large in portion size and is typically eaten during midday. For example: "I decided to have a "small lunch" today because I wasn't very hungry".

What can I say instead of "small lunch"?

You can use alternatives like "light lunch", "modest lunch", or "petite lunch" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "small lunch" or "little lunch"?

Both "small lunch" and "little lunch" are grammatically correct, but ""small lunch"" is more commonly used and generally preferred in formal writing. "Little lunch" may sound more informal or childlike.

What's the difference between "small lunch" and "light lunch"?

"Small lunch" refers to the portion size, whereas "light lunch" can refer to both portion size and caloric content. A light lunch is often low in calories and easy to digest.