I was intoxicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was intoxicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a past context. Example: "After the party, I realized that I was intoxicated and needed a ride home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"I find it intoxicating," she says, "though people back at my first firm thought I was intoxicated for admitting it".

The New York Times

I was intoxicated.

The Guardian

And I was intoxicated with joy.

The Guardian - Books

I was intoxicated by the amount of time and freedom.

Independent

I was intoxicated with the power of it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was intoxicated by the style of the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I am intoxicated by this particular landscape.

The Guardian - Books

I'm intoxicated by the idea of what might happen if the world were to fall apart.

The New Yorker

One worker showed up at work drunk, still drinking, and yelled at co-workers, "I'm intoxicated," using an expletive.

The New York Times

Every time I run into her, usually I'm intoxicated and I'm slurring, 'We need to sing a song!' at her.

The Guardian - Music

"I am intoxicated by this landscape, by the almost flat fields, the swamps, the hardwood bush, by the continental climate with its extravagant winters," she wrote, introducing the Selected Stories (1996).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I was intoxicated", ensure the context clarifies whether the intoxication is due to alcohol, drugs, or something metaphorical, like intense emotion. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was intoxicated" without specifying the cause if it's ambiguous. For example, instead of saying "I was intoxicated by the experience", clarify if you mean emotionally overwhelmed or something else. Unclear context can lead to miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was intoxicated" functions as a statement of a past condition or state. The pronoun "I" refers to the speaker, "was" is the past tense of the verb "to be", and "intoxicated" is an adjective describing the state. Ludwig confirms that it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was intoxicated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past. It can also be used metaphorically to convey being overwhelmed or captivated by something. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is valid and understandable. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both personal narratives and reporting. Understanding the context is crucial to accurately interpret the intended meaning, whether it's a literal description of physical intoxication or a metaphorical expression of emotional intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was drunk

A more direct and common synonym for being intoxicated.

I was under the influence

A more formal way of saying someone was intoxicated, often used in legal contexts.

I was inebriated

A less common, more formal synonym for being intoxicated.

I had too much to drink

Focuses on the action that led to the state of intoxication.

I was tipsy

Describes a mild state of intoxication.

I was sloshed

An informal term for being very drunk.

I was hammered

A slang term for being extremely drunk.

I was out of my mind

Implies a loss of control due to intoxication or other factors.

I was high

Indicates intoxication from drugs rather than alcohol.

I was spaced out

Describes a detached or disoriented state, which can be caused by intoxication.

FAQs

What does "I was intoxicated" mean?

The phrase "I was intoxicated" means you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or metaphorically overwhelmed by something, in the past. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What are some synonyms for "I was intoxicated"?

Some synonyms include "I was drunk", "I was under the influence", or, depending on the context, phrases like "I was overwhelmed".

Is it appropriate to use "I was intoxicated" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I was intoxicated" might be considered too informal for some formal writing. Consider using "I was under the influence" in legal or professional contexts.

Can "I was intoxicated" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "I was intoxicated" can be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed or captivated by something, such as "I was intoxicated by the music."