at one draught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at one draught" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe consuming a drink in a single gulp or without stopping. Example: "He finished the entire glass of water at one draught, quenching his thirst instantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speedy drank off the paregoric in one draught.

The New Yorker

He asks his wife what the time is at one point, drumming the table, choosing which chocolate to eat after the final draught (it tastes disgusting, as a lethal poison might).

The Guardian

Unity 2014 is to be available on-draught at events around town and in 22-ounce bottles at beer retailers.

Los Angeles Times

C. J. Morse: One strong draught to make you snuffle: another to pep you up (3 meanings).

The Guardian

It is important to have at least one book on your shelves that will work as a sleeping draught on a restive toddler – alongside all the wonderfully hyperactive narratives that excite those on the edge of sleep.

The Guardian - Books

On the other hand I had never been any good at all at draughts.

Vice

Whether your team wins or loses will be inconsequential if you self-medicate on one of the 40 beer selections from over 126 draught taps.

Huffington Post

Quoting one contemporary record, Warner reports that "a laborer by the name of George Wade went to a public house in Westminster, 'drank a Pint of Gin off at a Draught, and expired in a few Minutes.' " Then there were those widely reported cases, duly confirmed by physicians, where drunkards spontaneously caught fire (although their beds or chairs were mysteriously undamaged).

The New York Times - Books

Should my passenger complain at the draught, then there's Airscarf (launched with the previous SLK) to warm her neck from vents in the headrest.

Independent

Back at Draught Works, the mood was decidedly more upbeat as the band tuned up.

The New York Times

To offset the reduced number of boilers, the new ones were fitted with forced draught which increased their working pressure to 6.13 bar.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at one draught" to convey the immediate and complete consumption of a liquid, especially when emphasizing the speed or decisiveness of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "at one draught" when the act of drinking is prolonged or leisurely; this phrase is best suited for scenarios where the liquid is consumed quickly and entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one draught" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action (usually drinking) is performed. Ludwig confirms that it indicates the action is completed in a single, uninterrupted act.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at one draught" is a relatively uncommon but grammatically correct way to describe consuming a liquid in a single, uninterrupted action. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While it conveys a sense of speed and completeness, it leans towards a neutral register, suitable for various writing contexts, but may sound slightly archaic in casual conversation. Alternatives like "in one gulp" or "down in one" offer more informal options. The primary sources where this phrase appears are News & Media, Science and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one gulp

Emphasizes the quick and often audible swallowing of something.

in one swallow

Highlights the act of swallowing something completely at once.

in a single draught

A more formal alternative, maintaining the original phrase's structure.

in a single gulp

Combines the explicitness of gulp with the 'single' quantifier.

at a single swallow

Less common, this alternative emphasizes the act of swallowing.

down in one

An informal phrase, suggesting a rapid consumption.

chugged down

Implies rapid and continuous drinking, often of a large quantity.

drank in one go

A more conversational term indicating a continuous drinking motion.

in a single shot

Used primarily for alcoholic beverages, suggesting quick consumption.

consumed in one instance

A very formal alternative that deemphasizes the way something is being drunk/eaten and highlights the event.

FAQs

How can I use "at one draught" in a sentence?

You can say, "He drank the potion "at one draught", hoping for a quick transformation" to indicate a single, swift consumption.

What can I say instead of "at one draught"?

Alternatives include "in one gulp", "in one swallow", or "down in one" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "at one draught" formal or informal?

While generally considered formal, "at one draught" isn't overly stuffy. It’s suitable for writing but can sound a bit archaic in casual speech. More informal options include "in one gulp" or "down in one".

What is the difference between "at one draught" and "in one gulp"?

"At one draught" is a more formal and slightly archaic way of saying "in one gulp". The latter emphasizes the sound and quickness of swallowing, while the former simply highlights the single, uninterrupted action.