alcohol use

USAGE SUMMARY

"alcohol use" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the action or habit of consuming alcohol. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as discussing the effects of alcohol on health or addressing patterns of alcohol consumption in a certain population. Example: The study found a strong correlation between excessive alcohol use and liver damage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teenage drug and alcohol use.

The New York Times

Nor could smoking or alcohol use.

The Economist

Drug or alcohol use is another worry.

The New York Times

There are also reports of alcohol use.

The New York Times

"It's declining alcohol use, declining drug use.

The New York Times - Magazine

The six crew members tested negative for alcohol use.

The New York Times

alcohol use disorder.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test.

Health & Justice

Alcohol use is associated with non-adherence.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Covariates of alcohol use included parent alcohol use, family alcohol problems, family cohesion, parent supervision, peer deviance, peer alcohol use, and peer encouragement of alcohol use.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Patterns of alcohol use among adolescents have changed as well.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical contexts, always distinguish between general "alcohol use", harmful "alcohol abuse", and diagnosed "alcohol dependence" for accurate reporting.

Common error

Be specific about the type of "alcohol use" you're describing. Vague references can lead to misinterpretations. Instead of just saying "alcohol use is a problem", clarify whether you're referring to occasional drinking, heavy drinking, or alcohol dependence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alcohol use" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the general act or practice of consuming alcohol, as seen in Ludwig examples like "Patterns of alcohol use among adolescents have changed as well."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alcohol use" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that is used to denote the activity of consuming alcohol. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. The phrase is commonly found in both scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the context of use and consider more precise alternatives like "alcohol consumption" or "alcohol intake" when appropriate. Avoiding ambiguity and clearly defining the type of "alcohol use"—whether it’s occasional, heavy, or dependent—is crucial for accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use of alcohol

A slightly more verbose way of saying "alcohol use" without additional nuance.

alcohol consumption

A more formal and clinical term that emphasizes the act of consuming alcohol.

alcohol intake

Similar to alcohol consumption, but emphasizes the amount of alcohol taken into the body.

drinking habits

Focuses on the pattern and frequency of alcohol consumption.

patterns of alcohol consumption

Focuses on the behavior and routines related to drinking.

alcohol misuse

Similar to alcohol abuse, highlighting the inappropriate use of alcohol.

alcohol abuse

Specifically refers to problematic or excessive alcohol use.

alcohol dependence

A clinical term indicating a physiological need for alcohol.

alcohol involvement

A broader term that can encompass various aspects related to alcohol, not just consumption.

boozing

A colloquial term for drinking alcohol, often implying excess.

FAQs

How to use "alcohol use" in a sentence?

"Alcohol use" is generally employed as a noun phrase. For example: "The study examined the impact of "alcohol use" on liver function", or "Public health campaigns aim to reduce harmful "alcohol use"."

What are some synonyms for "alcohol use"?

You can use synonyms such as "alcohol consumption", "drinking habits", or "alcohol intake", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "alcohol use" or "alcohol abuse"?

It depends on the situation. "Alcohol use" is a general term for consuming alcohol. "Alcohol abuse" refers to problematic or excessive drinking that leads to negative consequences. Therefore, choose the term that accurately reflects the behavior you are describing.

What is the difference between "alcohol use" and "alcohol dependence"?

"Alcohol use" is the general act of drinking alcohol. "Alcohol dependence" is a clinical term indicating a physiological need for alcohol, often involving withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is stopped. It's a more severe condition than simply using alcohol.