drink to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drink to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make a toast or wish someone good luck. Example: "Let's drink to the success of our new project!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'll drink to that".

The New York Times

We will drink to Stalin.

The Economist

"And drink to world peace".

Independent

We'll certainly drink to that.

Independent

Come, we'll drink to it.

The New Yorker

We'd drink to that.

The Guardian - Books

"Drink to me".

The Guardian - Opinion

Few drink to excess.

The New York Times - Science

"Sometimes I would drink to sleep.

Independent

"I'll drink to that," he added.

Independent

No doubt SodaStream will drink to that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drink to" when you want to express a toast, celebrate an achievement, or offer good wishes. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings. Example: "Let's drink to their future success!"

Common error

Don't use "drink to" when you simply mean consuming a beverage. For example, instead of "I drink to quench my thirst", say "I drink water to quench my thirst".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drink to" is as a verb phrase used to express the act of toasting or celebrating. It indicates a specific intention behind drinking, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where people "drink to world peace" or "drink to forget".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drink to" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express toasting or celebrating. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily news and media outlets. While it is generally neutral in register, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to use it when you intend to propose a toast or celebrate an achievement, and avoid using it when referring to simple consumption. Alternatives such as ""toast to"" or ""raise a glass to"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toast to

A shorter, more direct way to express the act of toasting someone or something.

raise a glass to

Focuses on the physical action of lifting a glass in celebration or honor.

make a toast to

Emphasizes the act of giving a speech or expressing good wishes while drinking.

cheers to

An informal expression used when raising glasses in a toast.

salute to

Implies a formal acknowledgment or respect, similar to a military salute.

celebrate with a drink

Highlights the celebratory aspect of having a drink.

have a drink for

Suggests drinking in honor or memory of someone or something.

partake in a toast

Emphasizes the participation in a collective act of toasting.

imbibe to

A more formal or literary way of saying "drink to".

honor with a beverage

A more elaborate and descriptive way to express honoring someone with a drink.

FAQs

How is "drink to" used in a sentence?

The phrase "drink to" is used to propose a toast or celebrate something. For example, "Let's drink to the happy couple" or "We'll drink to that!"

What are some alternatives to "drink to"?

You can use alternatives like "toast to", "raise a glass to", or "cheers to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I drink to forget"?

Yes, it's a valid usage, often implying drinking alcohol to escape from unpleasant feelings or memories. However, it's important to acknowledge the potentially negative connotations associated with this phrase.

What's the difference between "drink to" and simply "drink"?

"Drink to" implies a specific purpose—to toast or celebrate. "Drink", on the other hand, refers to the general act of consuming a beverage. For example, you "drink" water, but you "drink to" someone's health.