spoke over lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spoke over lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation that took place during a lunch meeting or meal. Example: "We spoke over lunch about the upcoming project and shared our ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

"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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

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

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

NBC began broadcasting to the U.S. on the main transmitter, while Meloy spoke over the other radio with Captain Cavellini of the Rex, who jokingly invited all of the airmen down for lunch at his table.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spoke over lunch" to clearly indicate a conversation that occurred during a lunch setting. This phrasing is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "spoke over lunch" when the context is not about a meal. The phrase implies a specific setting, and using it in other contexts can be confusing or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoke over lunch" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying the verb "spoke". It indicates the setting or circumstance in which the speaking occurred. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spoke over lunch" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a conversation occurred during a lunch meal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to provide context to the conversation, suggesting a possibly informal setting. Alternatives such as "discussed during lunch" or "talked during lunch" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. It's important to avoid using "spoke over lunch" in contexts where the setting is not related to a meal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chatted during lunch

Replaces "spoke" with a more casual term, "chatted", implying a relaxed conversation.

talked during lunchtime

Substitutes "lunch" with "lunchtime", referring to the general period rather than the meal itself.

had a conversation at lunch

Uses a more formal phrasing, replacing "spoke over" with "had a conversation at".

discussed during lunch

Replaces "spoke" with "discussed", suggesting a more focused or serious conversation.

conversed at lunch

Uses a more formal term, "conversed", implying a sophisticated discussion.

shared a dialogue during lunch

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the conversation by using "shared a dialogue".

exchanged words during lunch

Highlights the exchange of information or opinions during the meal.

had words over lunch

Implies a potentially contentious discussion, adding a subtle layer of conflict.

broke bread and talked

Emphasizes the act of sharing a meal while conversing, implying camaraderie.

lunched and spoke

Inverts the original structure, highlighting the act of having lunch followed by speaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "spoke over lunch" to indicate that a conversation took place during a lunch meal, for example: "We "spoke over lunch" about the new project."

What are some alternatives to "spoke over lunch"?

Alternatives include "discussed during lunch", "talked during lunch", or "chatted during lunch", depending on the context and formality of the conversation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "spoke over lunch"?

Yes, "spoke over lunch" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a conversation that occurred during a lunch meal.

What does "spoke over lunch" imply about the conversation?

"Spoke over lunch" implies that the conversation was likely informal and took place while the participants were eating lunch. It adds context to the conversation, indicating both the setting and possibly the tone.