as drunk as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as drunk as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to compare someone's level of intoxication to that of another person or to a common standard. Example: "After the party, he was as drunk as a skunk, stumbling around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is careful to get as drunk as everyone else at Trajan's parties.

The New Yorker

As drunk as she is, the words are hard to find.

The New Yorker

A few miles away in the fields, it is Ramon's birthday and he is as drunk as a lord.

The Economist

Goodby said Thomas would never have been able to write anything if he'd been as drunk as people said.

The Guardian - Books

I need new knees; I'd be a liability if I got as drunk as I used to.

The Guardian - Arts

But he called again at midnight – he was as drunk as a skunk by then – and he said: 'Darling!

The Guardian

He doesn't understand why – I don't quite either, to be honest, and I'm not as drunk as he is.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Perhaps a new similie, "as drunk as a cricket" may be the author's only lasting contribution to the literature and science of the Orthoptera.

The New Yorker

As drunk as I was, it was clear to me that his sudden, sincere verbosity was due to his sense that our encounter was a fleeting one.

The New Yorker

At the end Arthur is just as drunk as he was at the beginning, and Liza Minnelli's character essentially steps into the role of caretaker".

The New York Times

For this, Greenport has the venerable Whiskey Wind, with its pool tables and "I'm going to get as drunk as I can" atmosphere.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as drunk as", consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. While widely understood, it is informal and may not be appropriate for all contexts.

Common error

Avoid using too many informal similes like "as drunk as" in formal writing. This can make your text sound unprofessional or unserious. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "highly intoxicated" when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as drunk as" functions as a simile, used to describe the extent of someone's intoxication by comparing it to a known or assumed state. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as drunk as" is a common and grammatically correct simile primarily used to describe someone's level of intoxication. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase typically appears in informal contexts, although it's also found in news and media. While its use is widespread, it's essential to consider the audience and tone of your writing, as more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain situations. Common comparisons include "as drunk as a lord" or ""as drunk as a skunk"". Therefore, while effective in conveying a vivid image, careful consideration of context is paramount when employing this simile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blind drunk

Emphasizes extreme intoxication leading to loss of awareness.

completely smashed

Very informal and colloquial, implying a high level of intoxication.

legless

British slang, implying inability to walk due to intoxication.

totally plastered

Informal, emphasizes being incapacitated by alcohol.

three sheets to the wind

Idiomatic expression indicating disorientation due to drunkenness.

highly intoxicated

More formal and direct, lacking the comparative element.

severely intoxicated

More formal and clinical, suitable for professional contexts.

heavily inebriated

More formal and clinical, suitable for professional contexts.

intoxicated beyond measure

Highlights the extreme degree of inebriation.

under the influence

Neutral and legalistic, focusing on impaired state.

FAQs

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

You can use "as drunk as" to compare someone's level of intoxication to a known standard. For example, "He was "as drunk as a skunk" after the party."

What's a less informal way to say "as drunk as"?

Consider using phrases like "highly intoxicated", "heavily inebriated", or "severely intoxicated", which are more suitable for formal contexts.

Which is correct: "as drunk as" or "so drunk as"?

"As drunk as" is the more common and grammatically sound construction when making a comparison. "So drunk as" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

What are some common comparisons used with "as drunk as"?

Common comparisons include "as drunk as a lord", ""as drunk as a skunk"", and "as drunk as possible", all indicating a high degree of intoxication.