You’re typing an email, writing a blog post, or sending a message—and suddenly you pause. Should it be lunchtime or lunch time? It’s a small detail, but it’s one that trips up a lot of people.
Because English loves exceptions, compound words like this can feel confusing. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between lunchtime and lunch time, explain which one is correct, and show you how to use both naturally and confidently. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can even start a sentence with because, you’re in the right place.
Lunchtime or Lunch Time: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, lunchtime and lunch time look interchangeable. In practice, though, one is far more common and widely accepted.
What Does “Lunchtime” Mean?
Lunchtime is a compound noun. It refers to the regular period during the day when people eat lunch.
Examples:
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Lunchtime is usually between 12 and 1.
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The café gets crowded at lunchtime.
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I’ll call you after lunchtime.
In modern English, lunchtime is the preferred and most natural choice.
What Does “Lunch Time” Mean?
Lunch time is a noun phrase, where “lunch” describes “time.” While it’s not incorrect, it’s used far less often and usually appears in informal speech or older writing.
Examples:
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It’s lunch time already?
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The bell rang, signaling lunch time for students.
In most professional, academic, and SEO-focused writing, lunchtime is the better option.
Which Is Correct: Lunchtime or Lunch Time?
Short Answer
Lunchtime is correct in most cases.
Why Lunchtime Is Preferred
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It’s recognized as a standard compound noun
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It appears more frequently in dictionaries
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It’s what native speakers naturally use
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It reads cleaner and more polished
Because clarity matters in writing, choosing lunchtime helps avoid hesitation or confusion for your reader.
Can You Start a Sentence With “Because”?
Yes—you absolutely can.
Because this rule is often misunderstood, many writers avoid it unnecessarily. Starting a sentence with because is grammatically correct as long as the sentence is complete.
Correct Examples
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Because lunchtime was short, we ate quickly.
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Because lunch time varies by culture, schedules differ worldwide.
Incorrect Example
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Because it was lunchtime. (This is a fragment.)
When used correctly, starting with because can make your writing sound more natural and conversational.
Lunchtime in Everyday English
The word lunchtime isn’t just grammatically correct—it’s deeply embedded in daily communication.
You’ll see it used in:
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Workplace emails
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School schedules
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Restaurant promotions
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Blog posts and news articles
Common phrases include:
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“lunchtime rush”
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“lunchtime break”
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“lunchtime specials”
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“lunchtime crowd”
These variations reinforce why lunchtime is the dominant form.
Grammar Rules Behind Lunchtime vs Lunch Time
English often turns frequently used phrases into compound words over time. The same thing happened with:
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breakfast time → breakfasttime (rare now)
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bedtime → bedtime
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lunchtime → lunchtime
Because language evolves, compound forms usually become the standard once they’re widely accepted.
FAQs About Lunchtime or Lunch Time
Is lunchtime one word or two?
Lunchtime is one word and is the preferred modern spelling.
Is lunch time grammatically wrong?
No, but it’s less common and sounds more informal or outdated.
Which spelling should I use in professional writing?
Always use lunchtime for clarity and consistency.
Can I start a sentence with because?
Yes, as long as the sentence is complete and not a fragment.
Do dictionaries recognize lunchtime?
Yes. Major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford list lunchtime as a standard noun.
