got drunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got drunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to describe someone who has consumed alcohol to the point of intoxication. Example: "After a long week at work, he finally let loose and got drunk at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"WALL STREET got drunk".

The Economist

Nobody got drunk.

The New Yorker

I got drunk.

The New Yorker

He got drunk a lot.

The New York Times

"He got drunk on power.

The Guardian

That's why I got drunk".

The New York Times - Arts

Then we got drunk.

The Guardian - Books

"He got drunk.

The Guardian - Music

The first time I got drunk.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'll get drunk.

Independent

"You'll get drunk".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific details to describe the experience of getting drunk, rather than simply stating the fact. For example: "He got drunk and started telling stories about his childhood" is more evocative than just "He got drunk".

Common error

Avoid using "got drunk" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "became intoxicated" or "drank excessively" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got drunk" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of becoming intoxicated. Ludwig examples show it used in narratives to describe someone's state or actions after consuming alcohol, consistent with the Ludwig AI assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got drunk" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone becoming intoxicated. While Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context. It's perfectly acceptable in informal settings, as evidenced by numerous examples in news and media. However, in more formal or professional contexts, alternatives like "became intoxicated" or "drank excessively" are more appropriate. Remember to tailor your language to your audience and the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became intoxicated

Formal alternative describing the process of becoming drunk.

drank excessively

Clinical and neutral way to state overconsumption of alcohol.

had too much to drink

Euphemistic way of saying someone got drunk.

overindulged in alcohol

Formal and polite way of saying someone drank too much.

was inebriated

A more formal and less common way to say someone was drunk.

tied one on

Informal idiom for getting drunk.

was plastered

Very informal, implying a high level of intoxication.

was hammered

Slang term for being very drunk.

was three sheets to the wind

Idiomatic expression for being very drunk.

became tipsy

Describes a lighter state of intoxication than "got drunk".

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "got drunk"?

Saying someone "got drunk" means they consumed enough alcohol to become intoxicated, experiencing impaired judgment, coordination, and other effects of alcohol.

What's a more formal way to say someone "got drunk"?

More formal alternatives include "became intoxicated", "drank excessively", or "overindulged in alcohol".

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "got drunk" in professional writing?

Generally, no. "Got drunk" is considered informal. Use more neutral or formal alternatives in professional contexts such as "became intoxicated".

What are some slang terms similar to "got drunk"?

Slang terms include "was hammered", "was plastered", or "tied one on". These are very informal and should be used with caution.