binge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "binge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of indulging in an excessive amount of something, often in a short period of time, such as watching multiple episodes of a TV show or consuming food or drink. Example: "After a long week, I decided to binge on my favorite series all weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Peppered with stars such as Daryl Hannah, Lost's Naveen Andrews and Cloud Atlas's Doona Bae, all 12 episodes are ready for your next binge.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A sharp decline in binge drinking has led to a 10% fall in the number of people injured in serious violence, according to a new study of hospital data.

The Guardian

I permitted myself a modest vintage binge in autumn, buying three secondhand shirts and two secondhand jumpers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They emphasised that their study did not prove early sipping led to binge drinking, but said that parents who allow sipping of alcohol may send mixed messages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Favourite TV "I recently binge watched True Detective".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Freshers flu is a well-documented side-effect of starting uni, for obvious reasons: eating unhealthily, staying up late, binge drinking, and meeting hundreds of people with germs they're as happy to share as stories of their gap yah in Injah.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The rise of the binge-watcher, gobbling every episode of a new series in two or three days, has led to a growing desire for instant gratification.

The Guardian

Snoop recently revealed that he believed Game Of Thrones was based on real life, so perhaps this 1999 Dre-produced classic is really about Snoop with a notebook and reading glasses, taking furious notes as he binge-watches season two.

The Guardian - Music

In the past year, binge-watching chalked up almost as much evidence on our corpus as binge-eating.

The Guardian - Books

Ninety per cent of hospital admissions related to alcohol are not weekend binge-drinkers but individuals with long-term problems caused by chronic consumption, such as cirrhosis of the liver.

The Guardian

We all know that Britain has a problem: the binge-drinking, the brawling, the town centres filled with vomit on Saturday nights, the courtrooms packed with alcohol-related crimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing repeated actions such as watching multiple episodes, use "binge" followed by a gerund (e.g., "binge-watching").

Common error

Avoid using "binge" interchangeably with terms that imply addiction or dependency. "Binge" describes a period of excessive consumption, not necessarily a chronic condition.

Linguistic Context

The word "binge" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it describes a period of excessive indulgence; as a verb, it signifies the act of engaging in such behavior. Ludwig's examples show its application in contexts ranging from drinking to watching television.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "binge" is a versatile word that can be used as both a noun and a verb to describe a period of excessive indulgence. It is considered grammatically correct and is very common in everyday language, especially in News & Media. Ludwig provides examples that showcase the word's usage across various contexts, from describing excessive drinking to watching multiple TV episodes. While widely accepted, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using "binge", opting for more formal alternatives such as "excessive consumption" in professional settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, "binge" is a valid and usable term in written English, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overindulge

Implies excessive indulgence, often in food or drink.

excessive consumption

Focuses on the act of consuming an immoderate amount of something.

go on a spree

Suggests a period of unrestrained activity, often involving spending or consumption.

pig out

Specifically refers to eating a large quantity of food, often in a gluttonous manner.

go overboard

Indicates exceeding reasonable limits in any activity or behavior.

gorge oneself

Highlights the act of filling oneself to excess, typically with food.

overdo it

A general term for exceeding the appropriate limit in any activity.

indulge excessively

Emphasizes the pleasurable aspect of exceeding normal limits.

lose control

Suggests a lack of restraint, leading to excessive behavior.

act immoderately

Focuses on the lack of moderation in behavior or consumption.

FAQs

How is "binge" typically used in a sentence?

The word "binge" can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an act of excessive indulgence, such as "a food binge". As a verb, it means to engage in such behavior, like "to binge-watch".

What are some alternatives to using the word "binge"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "overindulge", "excessive consumption", or "go on a spree".

What's the difference between "binge-watching" and simply "watching a lot of TV"?

"Binge-watching" implies watching multiple episodes of a TV show in a single session, often driven by a desire for immediate gratification. "Watching a lot of TV" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily suggest a concentrated period of viewing.

Is it correct to use "binge" in a professional context?

Yes, "binge" can be used in professional contexts, especially when discussing consumer behavior or media consumption trends. However, consider your audience and choose more formal alternatives like "excessive consumption" if necessary.