a few drinks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few drinks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of alcoholic beverages consumed, often in a social context. Example: "After work, we decided to go to the bar for a few drinks to unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've had a few drinks.

The New York Times

"I brought us a few drinks".

The New Yorker

"Have a few drinks and have fun".

The New York Times

"We brought a few drinks up here.

The New York Times

Some asked for a "kiss" or proposed "a few drinks".

The Economist

A club is a place to have a few drinks.

The New York Times

I make a few drinks and some conversation.

Independent

Getting a few drinks into them doesn't hurt.

The New York Times

It helps to have had a few drinks".

Independent

"And in truth, I'd had a few drinks that night".

The New York Times - Magazine

Hemingway's proto-book trailer, probably recorded after a few drinks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few drinks", consider the context and audience. It's generally appropriate for informal settings, but more formal situations may require more precise language. Ensure you're conveying the intended level of consumption without sounding dismissive or encouraging excessive drinking.

Common error

Avoid using "a few drinks" when you have specific knowledge of the number of drinks consumed, or when the exact number is significant to the context. Use more precise language or quantities in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few drinks" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the act of consuming a small quantity of alcoholic beverages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few drinks" is a common and acceptable way to describe the consumption of a small number of alcoholic beverages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While primarily used in informal settings, it can appear in more neutral contexts as well. Remember to consider your audience when using the phrase to ensure appropriate tone and clarity. When precision is key, use more specific language. The most authoritative sources that feature this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of drinks

Indicates a slightly smaller quantity, suggesting just two drinks.

some drinks

A more general term, implying an unspecified but small number of beverages.

a few beers

Specifies the type of alcoholic beverage consumed.

a round of drinks

Refers to a set of drinks purchased for a group.

several drinks

Suggests a slightly larger quantity than "a few".

a little alcohol

Focuses on the substance consumed rather than the quantity.

a spot of drink

An informal and somewhat archaic expression for an alcoholic beverage.

a sociable tipple

Emphasizes the social aspect of drinking.

a quick beverage

Highlights the speed and brevity of the drinking occasion.

alcoholic refreshments

A more formal way of referring to alcoholic drinks.

FAQs

How to use "a few drinks" in a sentence?

You can use "a few drinks" to describe consuming a small number of alcoholic beverages in social situations. For example: "After work, we went out for "a few drinks"."

What can I say instead of "a few drinks"?

You can use alternatives like "a couple of drinks", "some drinks", or "several drinks" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a few drinks" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a few drinks" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. Formal writing might benefit from more precise language, such as "consuming a limited amount of alcohol".

What's the difference between "a few drinks" and "getting drunk"?

"A few drinks" implies moderate alcohol consumption, while "getting drunk" suggests a higher level of intoxication. One refers to quantity, the other to effect of the drinking.