the supper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the supper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the evening meal, often in a more formal or traditional context. Example: "After a long day, the family gathered around the table for the supper, sharing stories and laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Supper at Emmaus Caravaggio BY Helen Langdon, art historian The Supper at Emmaus was painted in 1601, at the height of Caravaggio's success in Rome.

Independent

The supper was delicious.

The Guardian - Books

She served the supper and sat listening.

The New Yorker

The supper club only lasted one year.

The New Yorker

The text talks about the history of the supper….

The New Yorker

Is it my fault Stu wasn't invited to the Supper?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here she's the supper-club singer whose love reforms a wealthy wastrel (Gene Raymond).

The New York Times

The supper-dish for five people did not necessarily have to be meatless in 1939.

The Guardian

Leon sold me a ticket to go to the supper-club dance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the supper-critical condition, a large "flat" subsidence basin bottom appears in the central portion of the basin.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

GETTING IN There's no cover at the Supper Club.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the supper" when you want to evoke a sense of tradition or formality, especially in historical or cultural contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the supper" in contemporary settings where "dinner" is more common, as it can sound overly formal or out of place. Context is key!

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the supper" functions as a noun phrase, where "the" is a definite article specifying a particular evening meal. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, ranging from casual mentions to titles of artworks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Books

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the supper" is a grammatically sound phrase that functions as a noun phrase denoting a specific evening meal. As Ludwig examples show, while acceptable, it has a somewhat formal or traditional connotation compared to the more common "dinner". It appears across various sources, including news, literature, and art, but is not as frequently used as its more modern equivalent. Therefore, while perfectly valid, consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "the supper" and alternatives like ""the dinner"" or "the evening meal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the evening meal

Replaces "supper" with a more general term for a meal eaten in the evening.

the dinner

Uses a more common term for the evening meal, offering a simpler alternative.

the late meal

Highlights the timing of the meal, suitable when the lateness is relevant.

the last meal of the day

Emphasizes the position of the meal in the daily routine.

the repast

Introduces a more formal and archaic synonym for a meal.

the night's food

Focuses on the food consumed during the evening.

the evening refreshment

Suggests a lighter meal or snack taken in the evening.

the vespertine meal

Uses a more sophisticated and less common adjective related to evening.

the after-work dinner

Implies that the meal is eaten after finishing work.

the twilight consumption

A more poetic and abstract way to refer to eating in the evening.

FAQs

How can I use "the supper" in a sentence?

"The family gathered for "the supper", a tradition passed down through generations." You can replace "the supper" with "the dinner" depending on the context.

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

"The supper" often implies a more traditional or formal evening meal, whereas "the dinner" is a more general and commonly used term. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What can I say instead of "the supper"?

You can use alternatives like "the evening meal", ""the dinner"", or "the late meal" depending on the context.

Is "the supper" considered old-fashioned?

While not strictly old-fashioned, "the supper" carries a slightly more traditional or historical connotation than "dinner". Its appropriateness depends on the setting and the intended level of formality.