enjoying a drink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enjoying a drink" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone is having a beverage, often in a social or relaxed context. Example: "After a long week at work, I love spending Friday evenings enjoying a drink with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I am not against anyone enjoying a drink.

Independent

The cool people were surely at café enjoying a drink.

The New York Times

Perhaps enjoying a drink in a lively bar is one of those times.

The New Yorker

Most seem content merely to be enjoying a drink among "our people".

The Guardian

That said, I'm in no way opposed to other people enjoying a drink.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why, though, do so many then get behind the wheel after enjoying a drink?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

And, like his character, Shaw enjoyed a drink.

The Guardian - Film

You may enjoy a drink here and there, but drinking doesn't consume nightly ambitions.

Huffington Post

"Enjoy a drink or two.

Independent

Maoist men, like many Nepalese, enjoy a drink.

The Economist

I was a heavy smoker and enjoyed a drink or two, or sometimes even three.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enjoying a drink" to convey a sense of relaxation and pleasure associated with the act of drinking. It's suitable for describing both casual and more formal scenarios.

Common error

While "enjoying a drink" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "consuming a beverage" or "partaking of refreshment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enjoying a drink" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a larger sentence to describe an ongoing action that brings pleasure or satisfaction. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enjoying a drink" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the pleasurable act of consuming a beverage. Ludwig confirms its broad acceptability, usage, and versatility across various contexts, especially within news and media. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to different levels of formality with careful consideration of synonyms. Its ubiquity stems from its capacity to convey relaxation and enjoyment, making it a staple in descriptions of leisure and social activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a drink

A more general term that encompasses the act of drinking, without necessarily implying enjoyment.

sipping a beverage

Focuses more on the action of taking small tastes rather than overall enjoyment.

savoring a drink

Highlights the act of appreciating the flavor and experience of the drink.

relishing a drink

Emphasizes the appreciation and pleasure derived from the drink.

indulging in a drink

Suggests treating oneself to a drink, often something luxurious.

consuming a beverage

A formal and less common way to describe drinking something.

imbibing a beverage

A sophisticated way to say drinking.

partaking of a drink

A more formal or archaic way to say having a drink.

nursing a drink

Implies slowly drinking a beverage over a period of time.

tippling

Suggests drinking alcohol regularly, often in small amounts.

FAQs

What's the difference between "having a drink" and "enjoying a drink"?

"Having a drink" is a general term for the act of drinking something. "Enjoying a drink" implies pleasure and savoring the experience, suggesting a more positive and relaxed context.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use the phrase "enjoying a drink"?

The phrase "enjoying a drink" is suitable for describing social gatherings, leisure activities, or relaxing moments where someone is consuming a beverage with pleasure. It works well in casual conversation, travel writing, and lifestyle articles.

What can I say instead of "enjoying a drink" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider using phrases like "consuming a beverage", "partaking of refreshments", or "imbibing a beverage", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "enjoying to drink" instead of "enjoying a drink"?

No, "enjoying to drink" is grammatically incorrect. The correct construction is "enjoying a drink", where "enjoying" is a gerund and "a drink" is the object of the gerund.