a little drunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little drunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has consumed alcohol to a minor extent, typically in informal contexts. Example: "After a few drinks at the party, I felt a little drunk but still able to hold a conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was a little drunk".

The New Yorker

I got a little drunk.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm already a little drunk".

The Guardian

"I think you're perhaps a little drunk".

The New Yorker

We were more than a little drunk.

The Guardian - Travel

I was also a little drunk.

The Guardian - Books

Journalist lifts cue clumsily, a little drunk.

The Guardian - Film

"He might get a little drunk.

The New York Times

They were a little drunk & took a fancy to Fran.

The New Yorker

"Being a little drunk," she explained, "gives you superhuman strength".

The New York Times

And this guy wasn't just a little drunk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little drunk", consider your audience and the formality of the situation. In professional or academic settings, opt for more formal alternatives like "slightly intoxicated".

Common error

Avoid using "a little drunk" when the level of intoxication is actually higher. Overstating can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility. Be accurate with your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little drunk" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of mild intoxication. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little drunk" is a commonly used adjectival phrase that describes a state of mild alcohol intoxication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence, particularly within news and media sources. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "slightly intoxicated" in professional or academic settings. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the level of intoxication and doesn't mislead the reader. Remember, while the phrase is common, nuanced alternatives can often provide greater precision and suitability for different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly intoxicated

Indicates a mild level of alcohol impairment, focusing on the clinical aspect.

a bit tipsy

Suggests a lighthearted and somewhat playful state of being slightly drunk.

mildly inebriated

More formal and clinical term for being slightly affected by alcohol.

somewhat buzzed

Describes a light, pleasant feeling from alcohol consumption.

lightly intoxicated

Emphasizes the mildness of the intoxication.

feeling merry

Highlights the cheerful and jovial mood associated with light drinking.

slightly impaired

Focuses on the reduced functionality due to alcohol, less about the feeling.

a touch inebriated

Emphasizes the small degree of intoxication.

having a buzz on

Informal way of saying one is experiencing the initial effects of alcohol.

just a little tipsy

Reinforces the minor level of intoxication in a playful tone.

FAQs

How can I use "a little drunk" in a sentence?

You can use "a little drunk" to describe someone who has consumed a small amount of alcohol and is experiencing mild effects, for example, "After one glass of wine, I was feeling "a little drunk"".

What's the difference between "a little drunk" and "slightly intoxicated"?

"A little drunk" is more informal, while "slightly intoxicated" is more formal and clinical. The choice depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "a little drunk"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit tipsy", "somewhat buzzed", or "lightly intoxicated depending" on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a little drunk" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "A little drunk" is informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "slightly intoxicated" or "mildly impaired".