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Vincent Teo Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Had / ate a reunion dinner

Can I say,

(a) My family had a reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year.

(b) My family ate a / ate reunion dinner on (the) Chinese New Year eve.
  

Top answer

You would say they "had" a dinner because you are referring to an event, more than to a meal. In fact, "had" will go more comfortably with dinner in pretty much any situation. You will usually "have" or "attend" a dinner, whereas you might "eat" vegetables, bread, or fruit "at" the dinner.

— Bob Collins

  • You would say they "had" a dinner because you are referring to an event, more than to a meal.
  • In fact, "had" will go more comfortably with dinner in pretty much any situation.
  • You will usually "have" or "attend" a dinner, whereas you might "eat" vegetables, bread, or fruit "at" the dinner.
  • Does this clear things up or make more questions?
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1 Answers
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You would say they "had" a dinner because you are referring to an event, more than to a meal.

In fact, "had" will go more comfortably with dinner in pretty much any situation. You will usually "have" or "attend" a dinner, whereas you might "eat" vegetables, bread, or fruit "at" the dinner.

Does this clear things up or make more questions?
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