do drugs

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase 'do drugs' is correct and usable in written English, although it is often used informally.
For example, you might say "Many young people think that trying drugs just once won't hurt, but the risks of doing drugs are too high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He doesn't do drugs".

The New Yorker

"I don't do drugs.

The New Yorker

"She didn't do drugs.

The New Yorker

They do drugs.

The New York Times

"Don't do drugs!" O'Brien said.

The New Yorker

Did she even do drugs?

The New York Times - Magazine

'Shock, horror - models do drugs!

The Guardian

And I don't do drugs".

The New Yorker

But I don't do drugs.

The Guardian - Film

Didn't drink or do drugs.

The Guardian

"Almost all the kids do drugs there".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing drug use, be mindful of your audience and the context. "Do drugs" is generally considered informal, so use more formal alternatives like "use narcotics" or "engage in substance abuse" in professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "do drugs" without specifying which drugs are being referred to, especially in formal writing. Be specific about the substances involved to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do drugs" functions as a verb phrase, where "do" acts as a verb indicating the action of using or consuming drugs. It directly expresses the activity of drug use, as shown in Ludwig examples like "They do drugs" or "I do drugs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do drugs" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the use of illegal or recreational drugs. While Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability, it's important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives like "use narcotics" or "engage in substance abuse" may be more appropriate in academic or professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, reflecting its role in discussing drug-related issues. Remember to be specific about the substances involved and to avoid vague language when discussing drug use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use narcotics

Replaces "drugs" with a more specific term "narcotics", suggesting a focus on illegal or controlled substances.

take illicit substances

Replaces "drugs" with "illicit substances", emphasizing the illegal nature of the drug use.

experiment with drugs

Suggests a casual or exploratory approach to drug use, implying less habitual use.

abuse drugs

Emphasizes the harmful or excessive nature of drug use, implying negative consequences.

indulge in drugs

Suggests a pleasurable or recreational aspect of drug use, often implying a lack of control.

consume controlled substances

Emphasizes the legal restrictions surrounding the substances, often used in more formal contexts.

engage in substance abuse

A more clinical term for drug use, often used in discussions of addiction and treatment.

have a drug habit

Implicates a pattern of regular use, indicating an addiction and dependency on drugs.

be involved with drugs

Suggests a connection to drugs, which may include usage, dealing, or other related activities.

mess around with drugs

Implies irresponsible or reckless behavior concerning drug use, often downplaying the risks involved.

FAQs

What does "do drugs" mean?

The phrase "do drugs" generally means to use illegal or recreational drugs, often in a non-medical or abusive way. It implies the consumption or use of substances for their psychoactive effects.

What's a more formal way to say "do drugs"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "use narcotics", "engage in substance abuse", or "consume controlled substances".

Is "do drugs" grammatically correct?

Yes, "do drugs" is grammatically correct as a verb phrase. However, it's relatively informal. Ludwig AI considers it to be correct and usable in written English.

What are some consequences of choosing to "do drugs"?

The potential consequences of "doing drugs" can be severe, including addiction, health problems, legal issues, and damage to relationships. It is important to be well informed about these risks.