try to have dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to have dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting or expressing an intention to arrange or participate in a dinner meal. Example: "I hope we can try to have dinner together this weekend to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We try to have dinner together.

The New York Times

When she returns to New York on weekends, they still try to have dinner, and they go on occasional trips together.

The New Yorker

The couple try to have dinner every night with the Twiddys, and they gather with Ms. Twiddy's brother, sister and their families on Sundays.

The New York Times

7 20 A.M. (Flix) THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE (1972) Six upwardly mobile friends try to have dinner together — but find they can't — in this surrealist dreamscape from Luis Buñuel that won an Oscar for best foreign film.

The New York Times - Arts

6 15 P.M. (Flix) THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE (1972) Six upwardly mobile friends try to have dinner together — but find they can't — in this surrealist dreamscape from Luis Buñuel, which won an Oscar for best foreign film.

The New York Times - Arts

She wakes up later than he does and sometimes goes to sleep before he does, but they try to have dinner together as often as possible, and she tries to prevent him from tweeting while they eat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I don't know why I even bother trying to have dinner with you once a year.

The New Yorker

When I get home, I'm trying to have dinner with the kids, get to bed, do some reading, catch up on my favorite shows "Modern Family," "Body of Proof".

Huffington Post

I expect to be in New York sometime between Sept. 1 & 14 on my way to Washington, and if you're there then we'll try to have the dinner we missed last spring.

The New Yorker

7. Try to have family dinners where everyone has a say.

Huffington Post

Don't meet for dinner or coffee, or try to have the talk in your old bedroom if you used to live together.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to have dinner" to express intent, consider the level of formality required by the context. In formal settings, alternatives like "arrange to dine" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overusing "try" in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "aim", "seek", or "attempt" to add nuance and sophistication to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to have dinner" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing an intention or attempt to perform an action. Ludwig confirms this is a usable and correct phrase. This usage is supported by several examples where individuals or groups are making an effort to share a meal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to have dinner" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the intention of scheduling or participating in a dinner. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and provides various real-world examples from reliable sources. While the phrase is suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives like "arrange to dine" may be preferable in certain settings. Remember to avoid overusing "try" by incorporating synonyms like "aim" or "seek" to enhance your writing. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, making it generally applicable across various communication channels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

see if we can have dinner

Introduces a note of uncertainty about the possibility of having dinner.

arrange to have dinner

Focuses on the act of arranging a dinner appointment.

attempt to dine

Replaces "have dinner" with "dine" to imply a more formal setting.

make an effort to dine

Highlights the effort involved in having dinner, perhaps due to scheduling conflicts.

seek to eat dinner

Uses "seek" instead of "try" to convey a more determined effort.

endeavor to eat together

Conveys a more formal and serious attempt to share a meal.

aim to have supper

Substitutes "dinner" with "supper", suggesting a lighter or less formal meal.

plan to dine together

Emphasizes the planning aspect of sharing a meal.

explore the possibility of dining

Suggests a preliminary consideration of having dinner, without a firm commitment.

consider having a meal

Presents a broader scope than only dinner, including any kind of meal.

FAQs

How can I use "try to have dinner" in a sentence?

You can use "try to have dinner" to express an intention or effort to arrange or participate in a dinner meal. For example: "I hope we can "try to have dinner" together this weekend to catch up."

What are some alternatives to "try to have dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to dine", "plan to dine together", or "see if we can have dinner" depending on the context.

Is "try and have dinner" grammatically correct compared to "try to have dinner"?

While "try and" is sometimes used colloquially, "try to" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing. Stick with "try to have dinner" for clearer communication.

What's the difference between "try to have dinner" and "want to have dinner"?

"Try to have dinner" implies an effort or attempt, while "want to have dinner" simply expresses a desire. The first suggests potential obstacles, while the second is a straightforward statement of preference.