I got drunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I got drunk" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when describing a particular event or experience, for example, "Yesterday at the party I got drunk and ended up throwing up in the bushes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I got drunk.

The New Yorker

That's why I got drunk".

The New York Times - Arts

The first time I got drunk.

Independent

I got drunk, then sloppy.

The New York Times - Style

"I got drunk," she recalled.

The New York Times - Style

Josh I got drunk, that's about it.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I remember one time I got drunk-sick at a bowling alley.

Vice

(From 1925: "I get drunk & get rough with Marinoff").

The New Yorker

"In fact, I get drunk all the time.

The New York Times - Arts

"Can I get drunk now?" Mr. Kurtzman asked.

The New York Times

I get drunk on about three sips of wine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past events, ensure the tense is consistent. For instance, if you started the story in the past tense, continue using the past tense throughout the narrative.

Common error

While "I got drunk" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings and narratives, avoid using it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "I became intoxicated" or "I consumed alcohol to excess".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I got drunk" primarily functions as a statement of a past action or experience. The verb "got" acts as a copula linking the subject "I" to the adjective "drunk", indicating a change of state. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I got drunk" is a common and grammatically sound phrase primarily used to describe a past personal experience of becoming intoxicated. While Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness, the choice of using it depends heavily on the context. It's perfectly acceptable in informal conversations and personal narratives, as seen in many news and media examples provided by Ludwig, but less appropriate for academic or professional settings where more formal alternatives are preferred. When opting for similar statements, consider the subtle differences in connotation, ranging from simple statements of fact to expressions that highlight loss of control or impairment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I became intoxicated

Replaces "got" with "became", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the core meaning of becoming drunk.

I had too much to drink

Focuses on the action of drinking excessively, leading to intoxication.

I overindulged in alcohol

Highlights the excessive consumption of alcohol, emphasizing the act of overindulgence.

I tied one on

An informal idiom for getting drunk.

I was three sheets to the wind

An idiomatic expression indicating a high level of intoxication.

I was plastered

An informal term for being very drunk.

I was hammered

An informal and forceful way to say someone was very drunk.

I lost control due to alcohol

Focuses on the consequence of drinking, which is losing control.

I drank excessively

Emphasizes the excessive nature of the drinking.

I exceeded my alcohol limit

Highlights surpassing a personal limit for alcohol consumption.

FAQs

What's a less informal way to say "I got drunk"?

Consider using phrases like "I became intoxicated", "I consumed alcohol to excess", or "I overindulged in alcohol" for more formal contexts. These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone than "I got drunk".

Which is correct, "I got drunk" or "I was drunk"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "I got drunk" describes the process of becoming intoxicated, while "I was drunk" describes a state of being. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

What can I say instead of "I got drunk" to emphasize loss of control?

If you want to highlight the loss of control, you could use phrases like "I lost control due to alcohol" or "I became incapacitated" to emphasize the extent of your intoxication.

Is it appropriate to use "I got drunk" in academic writing?

Generally, no. In academic or professional writing, it's best to avoid informal language. Instead, consider alternatives like "I consumed alcohol" or "I experienced the effects of alcohol consumption" to maintain a formal tone.