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meal vs a meal

Both 'meal' and 'a meal' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Meal' can be used when referring to meals in general or as part of a compound noun, while 'a meal' is used when referring to a specific, individual meal.

Last updated: March 29, 2024

meal

The word 'meal' can be used when referring to meals in general or as part of a compound noun.

You can use 'meal' when talking about meals in general, such as 'I enjoy a good meal.' It can also be part of compound nouns like 'mealtime' or 'meal plan.'

Examples:

  • I had a delicious meal at the restaurant.
  • She prepared a special meal for her family.
  • Mealtime is an important part of our daily routine.
  • The school offers a meal plan for students.
  • He skipped a meal because he wasn't hungry.
  • I need a good meal tonight.
  • His last meal was polenta and roasted vegetables.
  • Feather meal is covered in heading 0505.
  • My harmonica and my next meal against your wristwatch.
  • Nothing like a home cooked wholesome meal.
  • Johnna cooked this whole meal by herself.
  • Hercules makes him their next meal.
  • Sleep, maybe eat a real meal.
  • Guy had quite the last meal.
  • A meal which included more ingredients.
  • Then we shall have our celebratory family meal.
  • Every meal for about a week.
  • The subject is peasants having a good meal, 1600s.
  • I've been getting two extra portions at every meal.
  • A glass of red wine with each meal.
  • This is Meleager's last meal.
  • It's when you throw up after every meal.
  • This meal is delicious, my dear.
  • I'd like a hot meal, really.
  • I'm sorry that your meal has not been satisfactory this evening.

Alternatives:

  • food
  • dinner
  • lunch
  • breakfast
  • snack

a meal

The phrase 'a meal' is used when referring to a specific, individual meal.

You should use 'a meal' when talking about a particular meal, such as 'I had a meal at the restaurant.' It emphasizes the singularity of the meal.

Examples:

  • I would like to have a meal with you.
  • She cooked a meal for her friends.
  • He ordered a meal to go.
  • Let's grab a meal together.
  • They shared a meal at the picnic.
  • Forty Euros, a meal and a taxi fare home.
  • He won't die from skipping a meal.
  • At Garden Cafe, having a meal.
  • No wonder my urine smells like a meal.
  • I've never seen him run for anything but a meal.
  • I know you and Joan rarely sit down for a meal.
  • Put it by a table and eat a meal.
  • Many a bride has skipped a meal or two before their wedding day.
  • We take a meal three times a day.
  • It's been so long since we all shared a meal.
  • Nothing comes between a pregnant lady and a meal.
  • Lunch is not a meal that interests me.
  • Soup and salad is not a meal.
  • Actrapid is given 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Omission of a meal or unplanned, strenuous physical exercise may lead to hypoglycaemia.
  • These hormones are released after a meal and stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin.
  • Insuman Rapid is injected subcutaneously 15 to 20 minutes before a meal.
  • Insuman Comb 50 is injected subcutaneously 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Insuman Comb 15 is injected subcutaneously 30 to 45 minutes before a meal.
  • It is important that you take INTELENCE following a meal.

Alternatives:

  • a dish
  • a plate of food
  • a serving
  • a course
  • a repast

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