go to the pub

USAGE SUMMARY

"go to the pub" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to physically travel to a pub or bar for socializing or drinking. Example: "After a long day at work, I decided to go to the pub with my coworkers for a few drinks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then go to the pub".

The New Yorker

The youngsters don't go to the pub.

Independent

"Let's go to the pub," Cheeseman said.

The New York Times - Sports

Step ten: Go to the pub.

The Guardian - Music

It's Friday afternoon: Go to the pub.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, you should go to the pub.

The New York Times - Travel

I could not afford to go to the pub.

The Guardian

I always say, "Go to the pub, then!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had little choice but to go to the pub.

The Guardian - Travel

"We needn't go to the pub," Sam says.

The New Yorker

God, I need to go to the pub.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go to the pub" to denote a casual visit for drinks and socializing in a relaxed setting. It's especially fitting when describing British or Irish cultural contexts.

Common error

While "go to the pub" is acceptable, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "visit a bar" or "grab a drink" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go to the pub" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and grammatically correct phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go to the pub" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes visiting a pub for social or recreational purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted in the English language. The phrase is mostly common in news and media, although also used in Science. While generally informal, it appears in diverse contexts, and knowing appropriate alternatives, such as "visit the bar" or "grab a drink", can enhance your writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the audience and context to ensure the tone remains appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visit the tavern

Replaces "pub" with "tavern", implying a more traditional or old-fashioned establishment.

hit the bar

A more general term for going to a place that serves alcoholic beverages.

go for a pint

Specifically refers to going for a beer at a pub.

go for drinks

A broader term that encompasses going to any establishment for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

hang out at the pub

Emphasizes the social aspect of spending time at a pub.

frequent the local

Indicates a regular habit of going to a specific pub.

repair to the public house

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "go to the pub".

pop down the boozer

A colloquial and informal term for visiting a pub, common in British English.

nip to the local

Suggests a quick and casual visit to the neighborhood pub.

retire to the bar

Implies moving to the bar area, often for relaxation or socializing after another activity.

FAQs

How can I use "go to the pub" in a sentence?

You can use "go to the pub" to describe a casual visit to a public house for drinks and socializing, for example, "After work, we often "go to the pub" for a few pints".

What are some alternatives to "go to the pub"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "visit the bar", "grab a drink", or "head to the tavern".

Is it appropriate to use "go to the pub" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "go to the pub" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral phrases like "visit a bar" or "attend a social gathering".

What is the difference between "go to the pub" and "go to a bar"?

"Go to the pub" specifically refers to visiting a public house, often associated with British or Irish culture, while "go to a bar" is a more general term for visiting any establishment that serves alcoholic drinks.