drink to excess

USAGE SUMMARY

"drink to excess" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
When used in a sentence, it usually means that someone is drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. For example, "Many of the guests at the party were drinking to excess, leading to a few unpleasant scenes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the UK around 37% of men and 29% of women drink to excess and 20%and13%3% report binge drinking.

BMC Public Health

Few drink to excess.

The New York Times - Science

I don't drink to excess.

The New York Times

They may smoke, drink to excess, or neglect proper diet.

Harvard University

He didn't drink to excess in high school.

The Washington Post

I am too old to drink to excess in public.

The New York Times

Significantly, she is perhaps the only Lowry character who doesn't drink to excess.

The New Yorker

The rumours that I drink to excess, by the way, are ridiculous.

The Guardian

He went on: "Some of the girls who drink to excess will die.

The Guardian

DON'T DRINK TO EXCESS It robs the mind of motivation, reason and health.

The New York Times

"He denies the use of narcotics and does not drink to excess," the report went on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "drink to excess" with specific details such as frequency or quantity to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "drink to excess" when describing moderate or social drinking. The phrase implies a level of consumption that leads to negative consequences or health risks. Ensure your language accurately reflects the level of alcohol consumption being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drink to excess" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed to an extreme degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes the act of consuming alcohol beyond a reasonable or safe limit, often implying negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drink to excess" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of consuming too much alcohol. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable and appears in a wide array of contexts, from news articles to academic papers. It serves to communicate concern about the negative impacts of overconsumption and is generally regarded as a neutral expression suitable for various communication styles. Be mindful to differentiate it from moderate or social drinking, to make sure that the meaning of your message is properly delivered. Consider using alternative phrases like "overindulge in alcohol" or "consume alcohol excessively" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overindulge in alcohol

Focuses on the act of indulging beyond reasonable limits, specifying alcohol.

consume alcohol excessively

Emphasizes the excessive nature of alcohol consumption.

engage in heavy drinking

Highlights the intensity and quantity of alcohol consumed.

drink heavily

A more concise way of expressing heavy alcohol consumption.

indulge in binge drinking

Specifically refers to consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period.

become intoxicated frequently

Focuses on the resulting state of intoxication from repeated drinking.

have a drinking problem

Suggests a more chronic issue with alcohol consumption.

be a heavy drinker

Describes someone who regularly consumes large amounts of alcohol.

tie one on

An informal idiom for getting drunk, less direct about excess.

go on a bender

Implies a period of unrestrained indulgence in alcohol.

FAQs

How can I use "drink to excess" in a sentence?

You can use "drink to excess" to describe someone consuming too much alcohol. For example, "Many people "drink to excess" during the holidays, leading to health problems".

What's a more formal way to say "drink to excess"?

More formal alternatives include "consume alcohol excessively" or "overindulge in alcohol". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What are the consequences of drinking to excess?

Drinking to excess can lead to various health problems, including liver damage, heart issues, and mental health disorders. It can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Is "drink to excess" the same as "binge drinking"?

"Binge drinking" is a specific pattern of drinking to excess where a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period. While related, "drink to excess" is a broader term that can refer to any excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of the timeframe.