became intoxicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became intoxicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of having consumed alcohol or drugs to the point of impairment. Example: "After a few drinks at the party, he became intoxicated and struggled to maintain his balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Jeanette became intoxicated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Soap" eventually became intoxicated with its own strangeness.

The New York Times - Arts

He became intoxicated by "the promise of America, that you can be anything you want".

The Guardian - Books

I became intoxicated with women's magazines, but quickly saw that the moneymaking opportunity was on the business side of publishing.

The New York Times

But when the man placed her on top of all the others, she became intoxicated with her greatness and looked down at them with disdain.

The New Yorker

Some, however, like Basil (Alan Bates), the buttoned-up English writer in Zorba The Greek (1964), gradually became intoxicated by his life-force character.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Now the drums became intoxicating.

The New York Times - Sports

The freedom of separation became intoxicating; I needed the privacy, even though I wound up in a profession that's all about sharing.

Huffington Post

To accomplish this precarious position, she must strategically manager her consumption so that she does not become intoxicated, or at least not display signs of intoxication.

BMC Public Health

If they become intoxicated by fumes, they won't survive".

The New York Times - Science

In "The Gold Bug Variations," Stuart Ressler becomes intoxicated with the study of genetics at the same time that he becomes intoxicated with his colleague Dr. Jeanette Koss.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's state, consider the context and choose a synonym for "became intoxicated" that reflects the appropriate level of formality and intensity. For example, use "became inebriated" in formal writing, and "got drunk" in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using overly euphemistic or vague terms to describe intoxication when clarity is needed. While "became merry" or "became jovial" might soften the description, they may not accurately convey the level of impairment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became intoxicated" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of transitioning into a state of intoxication. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It often describes a change in condition due to alcohol or drugs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became intoxicated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe the process of someone reaching a state of intoxication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While it carries a neutral tone, careful consideration should be given to selecting appropriate synonyms based on the specific context and audience, ranging from the formal "became inebriated" to the informal "got drunk". Be mindful of overuse of euphemisms, and ensure clarity is maintained. Ultimately, this phrase effectively communicates a transition into a state of impaired functionality due to substance consumption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got drunk

A common and informal way to describe becoming intoxicated.

became inebriated

A more formal and less common way to say became intoxicated.

became tipsy

Describes a mild state of intoxication.

became plastered

An informal term suggesting a high degree of intoxication.

became sloshed

Suggests a sloppy or uncoordinated state of intoxication.

became wasted

Indicates a state of severe intoxication, often implying loss of control.

became under the influence

A legal term referring to a state of impaired ability due to alcohol or drugs.

lost control due to alcohol

Describes becoming intoxicated in terms of losing control.

succumbed to the effects of alcohol

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship of alcohol consumption.

reached a state of intoxication

A more clinical or detached way of describing becoming intoxicated.

FAQs

What is a more formal way to say "became intoxicated"?

A more formal alternative to "became intoxicated" is "became inebriated". This term is less common in everyday conversation but appropriate for professional or academic writing.

What are some informal synonyms for "became intoxicated"?

Informal synonyms for "became intoxicated" include "got drunk", "became tipsy" (for a mild state), and "became plastered" (for a severe state).

How can I use "became intoxicated" in a sentence?

You can use "became intoxicated" in a sentence like this: "After several drinks, he "became intoxicated" and had difficulty walking straight." Consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "became intoxicated" and "was intoxicated"?

"Became intoxicated" describes the process of reaching a state of intoxication, while "was intoxicated" describes the state itself. For example, "He "became intoxicated" after a few beers" (process), versus "He "was intoxicated" and couldn't drive" (state).