take a meal

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a meal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time when someone is consuming a meal, as in the following example sentence: "Let's take a meal together before you leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"In the kitchen, members of a family not only take a meal, but also have a talk together," they explain in their patent.

The New York Times

When I decided to splurge and spend maybe $25, I'd take a meal at the guest house or at one of the few restaurants on La Digue.

The New York Times - Travel

After a while she developed leg trouble and walked with braces; on days when she could not make it to the restaurant, an employee would take a meal to her house.

The New York Times

You can nosh on your purchases at any of 11 tables and several counter spots in the well-lighted seating area near the entrance, or take a meal home.

The New York Times

The Monegasques, like the French, never take a meal lightly.

Forbes

The postoperative progress was initially good, with the patient starting to take a meal on the fourth postoperative day.

Surgical Case Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Tell the Children of Israel to take a male goat as a sin-offering; take one calf and one lamb, both in their first years, both unblemished, as burnt-offerings; take an ox and a ram as peace-offerings; and take a meal-offering mixed with oil.

Huffington Post

He slept irregularly, sometimes working nonstop for days, taking a meal now and then, rarely touching alcohol but chain-smoking English cigarettes.

The New York Times

Every American who has blasted into space from a nearby launchpad has taken a meal there, and had his or her framed picture placed prominently on a wall.

The Guardian

In other words, it takes a meal.

Huffington Post

They usually start searching for a meal at dusk, and will continue throughout the night until taking a meal.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a meal" when you want to describe the general act of eating or consuming food, especially when focusing on the experience or occasion of the meal, rather than just the food itself.

Common error

Avoid using "take a meal" in highly formal or professional documents where more precise language might be preferred. Instead, opt for alternatives like "dine" or "have a meal" depending on the specific context to maintain a level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a meal" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of eating or consuming food. Ludwig indicates it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a meal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of eating. As Ludwig points out, it is a correct and functional expression. Its usage is common across various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation, but it may be less appropriate in highly formal writing. Semantically related alternatives include "have a meal" and "eat a meal". To enhance writing, remember that 'take a meal' works best in describing the experience or occasion of eating, rather than simply referring to food consumption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a meal

Emphasizes the action of possessing or experiencing a meal.

eat a meal

Directly refers to the act of consuming food.

consume a meal

Highlights the process of using up or ingesting the meal.

partake in a meal

Suggests active participation and enjoyment of the meal.

enjoy a meal

Focuses on the pleasurable aspect of eating.

sit down for a meal

Highlights the act of sitting to eat.

grab a bite

Suggests a quick and informal meal.

have some food

A broader term indicating the act of eating in general.

break bread

Implies sharing a meal, often in a communal or friendly setting.

dine

A more formal term for eating a meal.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a meal"?

To "take a meal" simply means to eat or consume food. It refers to the act of having a meal, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Is it correct to say "take a meal"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "take a meal". It's a common and widely understood phrase in English.

What can I say instead of "take a meal"?

You can use alternatives like "have a meal", "eat a meal", or "consume a meal" depending on the context.

How do I use "take a meal" in a sentence?

You can use "take a meal" in sentences like: "Let's take a meal together before the meeting", or "The patient started to take a meal on the fourth postoperative day".