The phrase "having to dinner" is spelled using the voiced consonant sound /v/ at the beginning of the word "having," followed by the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat." The word "to" is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/ and the word "dinner" features the voiced consonant sound /d/ at the beginning, followed by the vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "bit" and the voiced consonant sound /n/ at the end. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈhævɪŋ tə ˈdɪnər/.
Having to dinner refers to the act of inviting someone or being invited to share a meal in the evening or at the main mealtime of the day. It typically involves gathering around a table to consume food and engage in conversation, either within the confines of one's own home or at a restaurant. The phrase "having to dinner" is often used to denote the act of hosting or attending a social event that revolves around sharing a meal.
When one is said to be "having someone to dinner," it suggests that they are extending an invitation to a guest or guests to join them for an evening meal. This involves the preparation and serving of food, as well as providing a hospitable environment for the guests. It encompasses not only the act of eating, but also the social experience of spending time with others in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
On the other hand, being "invited to dinner" implies that one has been asked to partake in a meal by someone else. It suggests that the person who has extended the invitation is welcoming the invitee into their home or organizing a gathering at a restaurant, with the intention of enjoying each other's company over a shared meal.
Having to dinner is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and serves as an opportunity for individuals to come together, foster connections, and establish or strengthen relationships.