throw a banquet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw a banquet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to hosting or organizing a formal meal or celebration for a group of people. Example: "To celebrate the company's anniversary, we decided to throw a banquet for all our employees and their families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Maybe the NVCA should throw a banquet in AngelList's honor?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the height of his powers, the notorious Sicilian mafia boss Totò Riina used to celebrate a murder by throwing a banquet at his farmhouse near Corleone.

The Guardian

To take advantage of this you will need freezer space, because unless you are throwing a banquet it is going to take a long time to eat.

The Guardian - Money

In 1577, for example, she threw a banquet at which the food was served by topless women.

Wikipedia

To quote Rachel Held Evans again, "The Church is God saying: 'I'm throwing a banquet, and all these mismatched, messed-up people are invited.

Huffington Post

They throw a great banquet in Chicago every year for the winner.

Huffington Post

In November 2000, Credit Suisse First Boston wanted us to throw a Smith & Wollensky banquet for them in Phoenix.

The New York Times

He threw a large banquet and surprised all that attended by making a rhapsodic euology on Lady Cornbury's ears.

The New Yorker

In this overprivileged spot, the owner, a favourite prince of the ruling family, recently threw a sumptuous banquet for foreign dignitaries.

The Economist

And so it was that when the Garden Club of Palm Beach -- founded in 1928 by the wives and daughters of men like Henry Flagler, the railroad tycoon -- threw a little banquet to announce its plan for a new sculpture garden on a two-acre lot saved by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hulitar from becoming a supermarket parking lot, Mr. Ost seemed the perfect draw.

The New York Times

For the more affluent, there were many types of specialist that could supply various foods and condiments: cheesemongers, pie bakers, saucers, waferers, etc. Well-off citizens who had the means to cook at home could on special occasions hire professionals when their own kitchen or staff could not handle the burden of throwing a major banquet.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "host a banquet" or "hold a banquet" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "throw a banquet" in informal contexts. It implies a significant level of planning and grandeur, which may be inappropriate for casual gatherings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw a banquet" functions as a verb phrase where "throw" acts as a verb meaning "to give or host", and "banquet" is the direct object, referring to a large formal meal. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "throw a banquet" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the hosting or organization of a formal and celebratory meal. While deemed correct by Ludwig, it's less common than alternatives like "host a banquet" or "hold a banquet". The phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, often found in news, historical accounts, or descriptive writing. When considering using "throw a banquet", ensure the context warrants the implication of a grand and elaborate event, as it is not suitable for informal gatherings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

host a banquet

Replaces "throw" with "host", focusing on the act of providing the banquet.

hold a banquet

Uses "hold" instead of "throw", emphasizing the event's occurrence.

organize a banquet

Highlights the planning and arrangement aspect of the banquet.

stage a banquet

Emphasizes the presentation and setting up of the banquet.

give a banquet

Uses "give" to focus on the act of offering or providing the banquet experience.

put on a banquet

Emphasizes the effort and work involved in preparing the banquet.

arrange a banquet

Focuses on the logistical aspects of setting up the banquet.

lay on a banquet

An alternative phrasing that focuses on the provision of food and entertainment.

offer a banquet

Highlights the act of presenting the banquet to guests.

sponsor a banquet

Focuses on financially supporting or backing the banquet.

FAQs

What does it mean to "throw a banquet"?

To "throw a banquet" means to host or organize a large, formal celebratory meal for a group of people. It suggests a significant investment of resources and planning.

What can I say instead of "throw a banquet"?

You can use alternatives like "host a banquet", "hold a banquet", or "organize a banquet" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "throw a banquet"?

The phrase "throw a banquet" is appropriate in contexts that involve formal celebrations, significant events, or occasions where a grand and elaborate meal is planned. It is often used in news reports, historical accounts, or fictional narratives to describe such events.

Is "throw a banquet" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "throw a banquet" isn't as common as simpler alternatives like "host a banquet" or "hold a banquet". Its usage is more likely in formal or descriptive writing rather than everyday conversation.