we are dining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are dining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people is currently eating a meal together, often in a formal or social context. Example: "Tonight, we are dining at the new Italian restaurant downtown to celebrate our anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In New York this summer we are dining — or rather feasting — on unusually ambitious and knotty plays.

The New York Times

If we are dining at Buckingham Palace, we ought not to slurp, since our hosts would consider it offensive, and we ought not, other things being equal, offend our hosts.

The New York Times

"At night, when we are dining with friends and the room is lit with just candles, and the light illuminates people's faces against the dark walls, everyone looks as if they are in a 17th-century portrait painting," Maynard says.

The New York Times

On the other hand, if we are dining in Xian, China, we ought to slurp, since in Xian slurping is considered to be a sign that we are enjoying our meal, and our hosts would consider it offensive if we didn't slurp, and we ought not, other things being equal, offend our hosts.

The New York Times

We are dining there tomorrow night.

Duke University

On informal occasions when we are dining alone or with wives, our own or other men's, you may call me Master.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We're dining in Matbaren, a Michelin-starred bistro in the Grand Hotel in Stockholm.

Independent

While we were dining, the waiter placed two dozen oysters on the table.

The New York Times

It doesn't bother the wife, but she told me her husband feels as if we're "dining and dashing".

The New York Times

It was someone who broke in and took Madeleine from the bed.'" "For us it just felt like we were dining in the garden," said Gerry.

The Guardian

Shortly after his passing, we were dining at a local restaurant on bingo night, and the bingo caller raised a glass in honor of a life well lived.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are dining" when you want to convey a sense of formality or elegance, particularly in social or professional contexts. For everyday situations, consider alternatives like "we are having dinner" or "we are eating out".

Common error

Avoid using "we are dining" in informal settings or when a simpler phrase like "we are eating" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can sound pretentious or overly formal in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are dining" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the present continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action of a group of people consuming a meal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are dining" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a group of people currently eating a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While less common than simpler alternatives like "we are eating", it carries a slightly more formal or elegant tone. Ludwig's analysis of example sentences reveals that this phrase is primarily used in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. Consider alternatives such as "we are eating" or "we are having dinner" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're having dinner

Uses a more common and informal term, "dinner", instead of "dining".

we're eating out

Indicates eating at a restaurant rather than at home.

we are having a meal

Replaces "dining" with a more general term, "meal".

we're at supper

Uses a less common term, "supper", for evening meal.

we are feasting

Implies a large and elaborate meal.

we're breaking bread

Suggests sharing a meal in a communal or symbolic way.

we are sitting down to eat

Emphasizes the act of beginning a meal.

we are sharing a repast

Uses a formal term, "repast", for meal.

we are taking sustenance

Focuses on the nutritional aspect of eating.

we are tucking in

Suggests starting to eat with enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "we are dining" in a sentence?

You can use "we are dining" to describe the act of eating a meal, especially in a formal or social context. For example, "Tonight, "we are dining" at the Grand Hotel" or "We are dining with the ambassador tonight".

What are some alternatives to "we are dining"?

Some alternatives include "we are eating", "we are having dinner", "we're eating out", or "we are having a meal", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we are dining"?

Yes, "we are dining" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in more formal or elegant contexts. It indicates that a group of people is in the process of eating a meal.

What's the difference between "we are dining" and "we are eating"?

"We are dining" is generally more formal than "we are eating". "We are dining" often implies a more elaborate or social meal, while "we are eating" is a more general and informal way to describe the act of consuming food.