a drinking spree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drinking spree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of excessive drinking, often in a social context or celebration. Example: "After finishing their exams, the students went on a drinking spree to celebrate their newfound freedom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Two of my best men went on a drinking spree a month ago and haven't been seen since... Another of my astronauts has joined a local tribal song and dance group".

The New Yorker

She knows he has probably gone on a drinking spree.

The New Yorker

In the end Scott spent a lot of the London 2012 regatta on a drinking spree.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've never been out on a drinking spree but I enjoy a small glass of sherry," she adds.

Independent

Scotland had just beaten Denmark 1-0 when goalscorer Joe Harper, captain Billy Bremner and three other players - Pat McCluskey, Willie Young and Arthur Graham - went out on a drinking spree.

The Guardian - Sport

Surely it is the job Mr Schröder has always wanted or at least since that notorious night 16 years ago when, after a drinking spree with left-wing buddies, he clambered up the chancellery railings shouting "Let me in!" Now, barring an unexpected reversal, he looks well set to enter the sanctum in some triumph by the front door.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In Frank O'Connor's "The Drunkard", a boy's disastrous encounter with a pint of porter prevents his father going on a long-anticipated drinking spree.

The Guardian - Books

telegraph.co.uk Blind drunk Denis Duthie was celebrating his parents' 50th wedding anniversary with a four-hour drinking spree when his world suddenly went dark.

Independent

He said stories that he had celebrated selling Autonomy by going on a three-day drinking spree were completely untrue: "I was on the phone, talking to journalists," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

In contrast to his behaviour post-Athens Olympics 2004, when he celebrated his gold by going on a three-month drinking spree, the 29-year-old has behaved with immaculate professionalism since last year's fourth, the equal best by a Briton in the history of the event.

Independent

Where Dylan Thomas stayed during his last drinking spree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drinking spree" to vividly depict a period of excessive alcohol consumption, often associated with celebration or escape. Ensure the context clearly conveys the intent and potential consequences of such behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "a drinking spree" in formal or professional contexts where the negative connotations of excessive drinking are inappropriate. Opt for more neutral terms like "social gathering" or "celebratory event" if the focus isn't on the alcohol consumption itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drinking spree" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI notes, it's used to describe a period of excessive drinking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a drinking spree" is a noun phrase used to describe a period of excessive alcohol consumption, often associated with celebration or escape. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct, though its connotation can be negative, making it unsuitable for formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. Consider its implications and opt for alternatives like "social gathering" when a more neutral term is required. The phrase should be used with caution in formal and business environments. Remember to be mindful of the audience and context when using "a drinking spree" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavy drinking session

Directly describes a session involving significant alcohol consumption.

a bender

Refers to a period of unrestrained self-indulgence, often involving alcohol.

a prolonged drinking bout

Focuses on the extended duration of the drinking.

a pub crawl

Implies visiting multiple pubs in one outing, often with the intention of drinking at each.

a booze-up

A more informal term for a drinking session, often implying a celebratory atmosphere.

an alcohol-fueled celebration

Highlights the role of alcohol in a celebratory event.

a night of carousing

Suggests a lively and noisy drinking session, often with festive activities.

a drunken revelry

Emphasizes the joyful and unrestrained nature of a drinking event.

a liquid lunch

Humorous term indicating that the meal consists primarily of alcoholic beverages.

a wild night out

A more general term, suggesting an evening of unrestrained fun which can include heavy drinking.

FAQs

How can I use "a drinking spree" in a sentence?

You can use "a drinking spree" to describe a period of excessive drinking, such as, "After the victory, the team went on "a drinking spree"." It implies a lack of restraint and is often associated with celebration.

What's a less judgmental alternative to "a drinking spree"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a drinking spree" could include "celebratory drinks", "social gathering", or "night out" if the focus is not primarily on the excessive drinking.

Is "a drinking spree" the same as alcoholism?

"A drinking spree" refers to a specific episode of heavy drinking, whereas alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive alcohol-seeking and use, despite negative consequences. One does not automatically imply the other.

What are some of the risks associated with going on "a drinking spree"?

Risks associated with going on "a drinking spree" include impaired judgment, increased risk of accidents or injuries, alcohol poisoning, and potential long-term health problems if such sprees are frequent. Consider alternatives like "moderate drinking".