gorge on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gorge on" is correct and can be used in written English.
As a phrasal verb, it means to eat a lot of something, usually something that is considered indulgent or excessive. Example: We gorged on ice cream after the movie was over.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now we gorge on Nixons.

The New York Times - Sports

You could gorge on it.

The Guardian - Music

But many use it to gorge on pirated Hollywood shows.

The Economist

It's tempting to gorge on this collection at breakneck speed.

The Guardian - Books

He and his partners continued to gorge on highly leveraged assets.

The New Yorker

The river shrinks and black crows gorge on bright mangoes in still, dustgreen trees.

The New York Times

They gorge on a daily diet of supposedly important economic data.

The Economist

We don't let them gorge on television, and they generally go to bed at bedtime.

The New York Times - Food

Americans, meanwhile, can smoke both cigarettes and pot and publicly gorge on hot dogs.

Independent

I gorge on chocolate as I once did on cheap red wine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Having scored in the genetic lottery, they can gorge on burgers and shakes and backstage Champagne.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gorge on" to vividly describe consuming something with great enthusiasm or in large quantities. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of indulgence or excess.

Common error

Avoid using "gorge on" in formal writing where a more neutral term like "consume" or "enjoy" would be more appropriate. "Gorge on" carries a connotation of excess that may not be suitable for every situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gorge on" is a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, it describes eating a lot of something, especially when it's considered indulgent or excessive. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe both people and animals consuming food enthusiastically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "gorge on" is a common and correct expression used to describe eating something in large quantities, often with a sense of enjoyment or indulgence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently found in news and media, with examples illustrating its application to both human and animal consumption. While "gorge on" is generally neutral in tone, it’s best to avoid it in highly formal contexts, opting for more neutral alternatives like "consume" or "enjoy". Some similar phrases that have related meanings are "feast on", "devour", or "overindulge in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feast on

Focuses on the enjoyable aspect of eating a large quantity.

devour

Emphasizes speed and eagerness in consumption.

overindulge in

Highlights the negative consequences of excessive consumption.

glut oneself with

Implies a more selfish and excessive level of consumption.

wolf down

Indicates eating very quickly and greedily.

stuff oneself with

Suggests eating until uncomfortably full.

pig out on

Conveys a less formal and often humorous sense of excessive eating.

binge on

Implies a short period of excessive consumption, often with a negative connotation.

consume excessively

Is a more formal and general way of expressing overconsumption.

eat immoderately

Suggests a lack of restraint in eating habits.

FAQs

How can I use "gorge on" in a sentence?

You can use "gorge on" to describe eating something in a large quantity or with great enthusiasm. For example, "The birds "gorge on" the berries in the garden" or "We "gorge on" pizza every Friday night".

What can I say instead of "gorge on"?

Alternatives to "gorge on" include "feast on", "devour", or "overindulge in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gorge on" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "gorge on" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "consume" or "enjoy" in such situations.

What's the difference between "gorge on" and "eat a lot of"?

"Gorge on" implies a more enthusiastic and potentially excessive consumption than simply "eat a lot of". It suggests a deliberate indulgence in something.