speaking over lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking over lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or discussion that takes place during a lunch meeting or meal. Example: "We were speaking over lunch about the new project and brainstorming ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Tourneur said that if you anchor something in reality, you can go anywhere," she said, speaking over lunch on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, a neighborhood that has been her home — and occasional inspiration — for some three decades.

The New York Times

Speaking over lunch in a Midtown bistro, we had a conversation about how he became a writer, who has influenced him and how he conjures the motivation to write.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As we spoke over lunch at the U.N. cafeteria in Baghdad, she became upset.

The New Yorker

General Powell, who spoke over lunch with Mali's president, Alpha Oumar Konaré, characterized the talk as a "conversation of hope".

The New York Times

He also spoke over lunch on Friday with the defense minister of Myanmar, also known as Burma, which Mr. Obama will visit in his trip next week — another first for an American president.

The New York Times

You'll hear it spoken over lunch at a women's leadership conference in a restaurant off busy Al Nidal Street, in a shade-darkened beauty shop in upscale Mansour, in the ramshackle ghettos of Sadr City.

The New York Times

Mr. Kentis, the film's writer, director and editor, and Ms. Lau, its producer, spoke over lunch in a favorite haunt, a cavernous restaurant under the Manhattan Bridge where conversation is sporadically overpowered by the rattle of subway cars overhead.

The New York Times

"Well, I hate bags because I'm a snob," Ms. Prada said with a laugh as she and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, spoke over lunch last month in Milan.

The New York Times

These students, and a group of honors students I spoke with over lunch, are strategizing, too.

Huffington Post

Patrizia Martinez, another Salvadorian mother who I speak with over lunch at a San Antonio Tex-Mex restaurant, was one of the relatively lucky ones; with the help of non-profit groups, she and her 8-year-old son were released from Karnes in January.

Vice

She spoke over a late lunch after a rehearsal at the Joyce's Midtown studios.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speaking over lunch" to indicate a casual yet potentially productive discussion during a meal. It suggests a blend of social interaction and information exchange.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking over lunch" in highly formal documents or reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "discussing during the meeting" or "conferring at the luncheon" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking over lunch" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing an action taking place during lunchtime. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking over lunch" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a conversation happening during lunchtime. Ludwig examples show it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. Although generally neutral, its informality suggests it might be unsuitable for very formal contexts, where alternatives like "discussing during lunch" would be more appropriate. While "speaking over lunch" is understood and accepted, remember to consider the context when choosing between this phrase and its more formal counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chatting during lunch

Replaces "speaking" with "chatting", suggesting a more informal conversation.

discussing at lunchtime

Substitutes "speaking" with "discussing" and rephrases "over lunch" to "at lunchtime", maintaining a formal tone.

having a conversation at lunch

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the "conversation" taking place during lunch.

conversing during the midday meal

Uses more formal language, replacing "speaking" with "conversing" and "lunch" with "midday meal".

talking while having lunch

Explains the action more explicitly, focusing on the simultaneity of talking and eating.

sharing thoughts during lunch

Emphasizes the sharing of ideas rather than just the act of speaking.

conferring at lunch

Suggests a more formal or purposeful conversation during lunch.

lunchtime discussion

Simplifies the phrase to a noun phrase, highlighting the time and activity.

exchanging words over lunch

A more descriptive and slightly formal way to indicate conversation during lunch.

a lunchtime talk

Uses "talk" as a noun to describe a conversation during lunch.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking over lunch" to describe a conversation that occurred while having lunch. For example, "We were speaking over lunch about the upcoming project."

What are some alternatives to "speaking over lunch"?

Alternatives include "chatting during lunch", "discussing at lunchtime", or "having a conversation at lunch" depending on the context.

Is "speaking over lunch" formal or informal?

"Speaking over lunch" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For more formal settings, consider using "discussing during lunch" or similar phrases.

What does it mean to say someone was "speaking over lunch"?

It means that a conversation or discussion took place while the person was eating lunch. It implies a blend of social interaction and information exchange during the meal.