[Grammar] "dinner & a movie" -V- "movie & a dinner"

[ruthemm]

I create copy for Meetup events which hundreds of people read. I'm familiar with the common description of an event titled "Dinner & A Movie". I would like to know if it is incorrect grammar to title the event "Movie & A Dinner" if we attend the dinner before the movie. Please advise. TIA!

 

[bhaisahab]

I create copy for Meetup events which hundreds of people read. I'm familiar with the common description of an event titled "Dinner & A Movie". I would like to know if it is incorrect grammar to title the event "Movie & A Dinner" if we attend the dinner before the movie. Please advise. TIA!

It's not incorrect grammar. If that's what you want to call it, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't.

 

[ruthemm]

The forum front page shows that Bhaisahb replied to my post but I do not see a reply when I click through. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[ruthemm]

Oops. Never mind. Now I see the reply. Thank you for replying. I agree with you. The group's organizer says it doesn't sound right to him. I wonder why? Any idea?

 

[dimitra danger beans]

The word 'dinner' is usually used without any article. I would say it's grammatically correct although it does sound odd.

 

[emsr2d2]

It doesn't sound natural simply because over the years the phrase "dinner and a movie" has become well-used and recognised. It now just sounds wrong the other way round. The same goes for "fish and chips", "macaroni and cheese", "Mr and Mrs" and many others.

 

[Ouisch]

I create copy for Meetup events which hundreds of people read. I'm familiar with the common description of an event titled "Dinner & A Movie". I would like to know if it is incorrect grammar to title the event "Movie & A Dinner" if we attend the dinner before the movie. Please advise. TIA!

I think that the phrase "dinner and a movie" has become so ingrained in the lexicon that it is understood that the meal may come before or after the film; it just means that the meetup includes both activities. "Movie and A Dinner" implies that the meal will be after the movie...and it just sounds very awkward. Stick with the tried and true "Dinner and a Movie" and then detail the actual sequence of events in your ad copy.

 

[g-at-bbe]

Ouisch is right. "Dinner and a movie" and "dinner and a show" are fixed phrases, at least in the US. Reverse them at your peril, and while you're at it why not help yourself to some nice kidney and steak pie. :-?

 

[konungursvia]

Also, grammar is not always conventional, i.e. not always divorce from logic. If you see the movie after dinner, why exactly do you want to call it movie and dinner, rather than dinner and movie? It sounds better when it reflects the facts, I think.

 

[ruthemm]

I goofed. My question should have read that we go to the movie before dinner. I was waiting for someone to call me on that...lol.

 

[Barb_D]

Black and white
Peanut butter and jelly
Salt and pepper

There is no logical reason not to reverse them. There is no grammatical reason not to reverse them. But if you do, you'll be going against convention and people will notice the way you say it instead of what you are saying. Is that your goal?

 

[ruthemm]

Black and white
Peanut butter and jelly
Salt and pepper

There is no logical reason not to reverse them. There is no grammatical reason not to reverse them. But if you do, you'll be going against convention and people will notice the way you say it instead of what you are saying. Is that your goal?

In part. I think it's clever publicity to catch attention by going outside the box, even with word play.

 

[JohnParis]

Well then, there you have it.
No grammatical reason not to play outside of the box.

 

[bwwind]

It souds a little odd,but the grammar is right, I think so.