I was drunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was drunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing past experiences or events where alcohol consumption was involved. Example: "At the party last night, I was drunk and don't remember much of what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I was drunk on love.

The New York Times

Drinking, carousing, I was drunk at Bafta.

The Guardian - Film

"I was drunk," he said.

The New York Times

People thought I was drunk.

The Guardian

He sheepishly explained, "I was drunk".

The New York Times - Style

And I was drunk on García Márquez.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I'm drunk.

The New Yorker

You: "I'm drunk".

Independent

"Forget when I'm drunk".

The New York Times

I'm drunk already.

The New York Times

"Well, I'm drunk".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I was drunk", consider your audience and the context of your writing. While acceptable in informal settings, more formal or professional contexts may require a more nuanced or indirect phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "I was drunk" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more descriptive and less colloquial alternatives like "I had consumed too much alcohol" or "I was under the influence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was drunk" functions as a statement describing a past state of intoxication. It uses the past tense of the verb 'to be' ('was') followed by an adjective ('drunk') to indicate the speaker's condition at a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was drunk" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing a past state of intoxication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and analysis shows it frequently appears in news and media, often within personal anecdotes or direct quotes. While versatile, its informality suggests caution in professional or formal contexts, where alternatives like "I was under the influence" may be more appropriate. When using "I was drunk", consider your audience and the desired tone to ensure clarity and suitability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had too much to drink

Replaces "drunk" with a more descriptive explanation of alcohol consumption.

I was intoxicated

Uses a more formal synonym for "drunk".

I was inebriated

Employs a sophisticated term for being under the influence of alcohol.

I was tipsy

Indicates a milder state of intoxication.

I was plastered

Uses a colloquial expression for being very drunk.

I was wasted

Employs a slang term indicating extreme intoxication.

I was hammered

Uses a casual term for being heavily intoxicated.

I'd had a few too many

Describes overconsumption of alcohol in a more indirect way.

I was under the influence

A more formal way of saying "I was drunk", often used in legal contexts.

I was three sheets to the wind

A nautical idiom for being very drunk.

FAQs

What's a less direct way to say "I was drunk"?

You could say "I had too much to drink", "I was feeling the effects of the alcohol", or "I was "slightly intoxicated"" depending on the degree of intoxication you want to convey.

How does the formality of a situation affect using "I was drunk"?

In formal situations, it's best to avoid casual phrases like "I was drunk". Instead, use more professional language, such as "I was under the influence" or "I had consumed alcohol".

What are some alternatives to "I was drunk" that imply a milder level of intoxication?

If you want to express a lighter level of intoxication, consider using phrases like "I was tipsy", "I had a buzz", or "I was slightly inebriated".

Is it ever appropriate to use "I was drunk" in legal or official documents?

Generally, it's better to avoid the phrase "I was drunk" in legal documents. Instead, use more precise and formal language like "I was intoxicated" or "My judgment was impaired due to alcohol consumption". This provides a clearer and more professional description.