the dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

"the dinner" can be used in written English.
Typically, it would refer to a specific meal, for example "We shared an intimate conversation over the dinner".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Dinner.

The Economist

Why the dinner date?

The New York Times

And the dinner?

The New Yorker

The dinner party.

The New York Times

The dinner was fabulous.

The New York Times

Tells about the dinner.

The New Yorker

The dinner conversation continues.

The New York Times

"Around the dinner table, yes".

The Guardian

Some toasts accompanied the dinner.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both were at the dinner.

The New Yorker

Ahmet was seating the dinner.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the dinner", ensure the context clearly establishes which specific dinner you are referring to. For instance, if discussing a past event, specify "the dinner we had last night" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the dinner" when you mean dinner in general. Instead of saying "I always enjoy the dinner", say "I always enjoy dinner" to refer to the meal in general, without specifying a particular instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the dinner" primarily functions as a noun phrase, specifically a determiner phrase, where "the" specifies a particular dinner. As supported by Ludwig, it denotes a specific instance of a meal rather than the general concept of dinner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the dinner" is a commonly used noun phrase that specifies a particular meal, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into various contexts, primarily within News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides enough information for the audience to understand which specific dinner is being referenced. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in discussing events, experiences, and arrangements related to particular dining occasions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the meal

A more general term, applicable to any eating occasion.

the evening meal

Replaces "dinner" with a more descriptive term focusing on the time of day.

the supper

Uses an alternative term for "dinner", sometimes implying a lighter meal.

the dinner party

Specifies a social event centered around a dinner meal.

the main course

Focuses on the primary dish of the meal, rather than the entire dining experience.

the repast

Offers a more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for "meal".

the feast

Suggests a large and elaborate meal.

the banquet

Implies a formal and celebratory dinner event.

the lunch

Suggests an alternative to dinner happening during daytime

the victuals

Replaces with a synonym and it's a more formal and somewhat archaic term for food.

FAQs

How is "the dinner" used in a sentence?

"The dinner" refers to a specific meal. For example, "The dinner was delicious" indicates a particular meal was enjoyable.

What's the difference between "the dinner" and "dinner"?

"Dinner" refers to the meal in general, while "the dinner" refers to a specific instance. For instance, "I eat dinner every day" is about the routine, but "the dinner at the restaurant" refers to a specific meal at a specific location.

What can I say instead of "the dinner"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the evening meal", "the supper", or "the main course".

Is it correct to say "the dinner is ready"?

Yes, "the dinner is ready" is correct when referring to a specific meal that has been prepared and is ready to be eaten.