drug of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drug of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing addiction, dependency, or metaphorical uses of "drug" to describe something that provides a strong emotional or psychological effect. Example: "For many, social media has become a drug of choice, providing instant gratification and a sense of connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Influence is their drug of choice.

The Guardian

That's my only drug of choice".

Independent

Stand-up is my drug of choice".

The New York Times

His drug of choice was freebase cocaine.

The New York Times

"What was your drug of choice?" "Alcohol".

The New Yorker

That was the drug of choice.

The New Yorker

Blood is their drug of choice.

Independent

The drug of feeling alive.

The Guardian - Music

What was his drug of choice?

The Guardian

What is your drug of choice?

The Guardian

THEIR drug of choice is illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "drug of choice" when you want to convey that something is a person's or group's preferred means of achieving a particular state, whether it's literal (referring to actual drugs) or metaphorical (referring to something that provides a similar effect).

Common error

While "drug of choice" can be a vivid way to describe a preference, overusing it can diminish its impact. Ensure the metaphor is appropriate and doesn't become cliché in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drug of" primarily functions as a modifier within a noun phrase, specifying the preferred or chosen item. It's frequently used to indicate a particular substance or activity that someone favors, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drug of" is a versatile expression used to denote a preferred substance or activity, often implying a strong liking or dependency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it can be used literally to refer to actual drugs, it's also commonly employed metaphorically to describe anything that provides a similar psychological or emotional effect. While widely accepted, it's wise to avoid overuse and ensure the metaphor remains effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substance of choice

Emphasizes the selection process and implies a deliberate decision.

chosen addiction

Directly acknowledges the addictive quality, whether literal or metaphorical.

preferred substance

Focuses on the element of choice and the nature of a substance.

vice of choice

Highlights the potentially negative or addictive nature of the preferred thing.

primary indulgence

Highlights the pleasurable aspect of the preferred thing.

preferred activity

Shifts the focus from substances to actions or behaviors.

main source of pleasure

Directly states the role of providing enjoyment or satisfaction.

source of comfort

Focuses on the emotional or psychological benefit derived.

favorite pastime

Emphasizes the recreational or leisure-related nature.

preferred method

Focuses on a way of achieving a goal or desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "drug of choice" in a sentence?

You can use "drug of choice" to indicate a preferred substance or activity. For example, "For him, coffee is the "drug of choice" to start the day," or "For that criminal organization, heroin was the "drug of choice" in the 70s".

What does "drug of choice" mean?

The phrase "drug of choice" refers to someone's preferred substance for achieving a specific state, whether it is literal (an actual drug) or metaphorical (something that provides a similar psychological or emotional effect).

Which is correct, "drug of choice" or "substance of choice"?

Both "drug of choice" and "substance of choice" are grammatically correct, but "drug of choice" often carries a stronger connotation, especially when used metaphorically to describe non-drug related preferences.

What are some alternatives to "drug of choice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "preferred substance", "vice of choice", or "favorite pastime" to convey a similar meaning.