go drinking

USAGE SUMMARY

'go drinking' is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to suggest to someone that they go out and have an alcoholic drink (or drinks), either with you or alone. For example, "Let's go drinking tonight; you can pick the bar!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Drink at least 16 ounces (473ml) of water with dinner before you go drinking.

WikiHow

Soldiers regularly ask Rollins if he'll go drinking with them -- he seems like such a regular guy -- but Rollins doesn't drink and never has.

The New York Times

Andy proposed they go drinking.

The New Yorker

He'd go drinking in St. Anne's Park, in the pissing rain, with his inhaler in his pocket.

The New Yorker

The tables were still packed with people on their phones – perhaps playing Pokémon Go – drinking out of white paper cups.

The Guardian - Business

As a teenager, I'd constantly agitate my friends to meet outside Woolworths on a Saturday afternoon or go drinking stolen amaretto in the woods.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I went drinking with Miner.

Independent

Instead, they went drinking.

The Guardian - Books

He went drinking at the American Legion with friends.

The New York Times

("It was the first time I went drinking with a nun").

The New York Times - Books

* You (or your progeny) have gone drinking with at least one Bush daughter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Hydrate before you "go drinking" to reduce the effects of alcohol, as suggested by "WikiHow".

Common error

Avoid using "go drinking" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "attend a cocktail reception" or "network over beverages".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go drinking" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "go" acts as an auxiliary verb indicating intention or action towards the gerund "drinking". It denotes the act of participating in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go drinking" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of consuming alcoholic beverages, usually in a casual, social context. It's deemed appropriate for informal settings but should be used cautiously in formal or professional communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed grammatically correct, making it a reliable expression in everyday conversations. The phrase is primarily found in news articles, blogs, and casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a drink

Slightly less direct and implies a more casual setting.

have some drinks

Focuses on the act of consuming alcohol, less about the location or social aspect.

hit the bar

More colloquial and suggests going to a bar specifically.

go for cocktails

Specifies the type of drinks intended, implying a more sophisticated setting.

indulge in alcohol

A more formal way of expressing the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

partake in drinks

Similar to 'indulge in alcohol', this is a more formal and less common way to suggest drinking.

enjoy some beverages

A broader term that could include non-alcoholic drinks but often implies alcoholic ones in a social setting.

go out for a tipple

A British English expression, implying a small amount of alcoholic drink.

quench your thirst with alcohol

Emphasizes the need for a drink and its satisfaction.

engage in happy hour

More focused on the specific timeframe and discounted drinks.

FAQs

What does "go drinking" mean?

The phrase "go drinking" means to participate in the act of consuming alcoholic beverages, typically in a social setting like a bar or party.

What can I say instead of "go drinking"?

You can use alternatives like "grab a drink", "have some drinks", or "hit the bar" depending on the context.

Is "go drinking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "go drinking" is a grammatically correct phrase in English, functioning as a verb phrase indicating an activity.

Is "go drinking" appropriate for formal communication?

No, "go drinking" is generally considered informal and may not be appropriate for formal communication. Consider using more formal alternatives like "attend a reception" or "network over beverages".