he was intoxicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was intoxicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Example: "After the party, it was clear that he was intoxicated and needed a ride home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"He was intoxicated," Sergeant Barry said.

The New York Times

Doctors who treated his injuries dismiss police allegations that he was intoxicated.

The Guardian

West also acknowledged that his comments might make the audience wonder about whether he was intoxicated.

The Guardian - Music

In January, Ohio police said he was intoxicated following an altercation at a Columbus strip club.

The New York Times - Sports

Like many first-rate writers of his generation, he was intoxicated most of the day, every day.

The New Yorker

His critics, and they were always hovering, claimed he was intoxicated by light: they said he had "yellow fever".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The prosecutor repeatedly noted that his supporters have no knowledge of how Turner behaves when he is intoxicated.

The Guardian

He's intoxicated by the idea of mowing a lawn, giving a barbecue, shopping at a mall.

The New York Times

"When he's intoxicated and he stopped taking his medication, that's when he starts acting kind of suicidal," Ms. Avalos said.

The New York Times

Oh, and he likes Guinness, and he sounds like he's intoxicated by his own sweet sorrow, which is why he's gotta dance to keep from crying.

The Guardian - Music

Listen again to the song "What's the Difference" on Dr. Dre's "2001": "I got something to say, Dre," Eminem begins his rap, explaining that he wants to confess while he is intoxicated.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on legal matters, use "he was intoxicated" for a neutral and professional tone. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "he was drunk".

Common error

Avoid using "he was intoxicated" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "he was drunk" or "he was tipsy" for a better fit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was intoxicated" functions as a descriptive statement, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates that the subject, "he", was in a state of diminished physical and mental control due to the influence of alcohol or drugs, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was intoxicated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media reporting. While suitable for formal contexts, it can be replaced with more casual terms like "he was drunk" in informal settings. When using this phrase, consider the implications and adjust the tone accordingly. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for legal and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was drunk

Replaces "intoxicated" with a more common and informal synonym.

he was under the influence

Offers a more formal and legally oriented alternative.

he was inebriated

Substitutes "intoxicated" with a less common but equivalent term.

he was impaired

Suggests a diminished state due to alcohol or drugs.

he was plastered

Provides a slang term for being heavily intoxicated.

he was wasted

Uses a slang term to denote extreme intoxication.

he was tipsy

Describes a state of slight intoxication.

he was three sheets to the wind

Presents an idiomatic expression for being very drunk.

he had been drinking

Indicates alcohol consumption without specifying the level of intoxication.

he was out of it

General term indicating a state of altered consciousness.

FAQs

What's a more casual way to say "he was intoxicated"?

Alternatives include "he was drunk", "he was tipsy", or "he was wasted", depending on the degree of inebriation. The phrase "he was drunk" is the most common substitute.

Is "he was intoxicated" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "he was intoxicated" is suitable for formal and legal contexts, offering a neutral and professional tone. However, other alternatives may exist, depending on context.

What does it mean when someone says "he was intoxicated by something"?

While "he was intoxicated" usually refers to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, "intoxicated by something" can also mean being figuratively overwhelmed or enthralled, such as "he was intoxicated by the music".

Are there any legal implications related to the statement "he was intoxicated"?

Yes, in legal contexts, "he was intoxicated" often implies a violation of laws related to driving under the influence or public intoxication, potentially leading to legal consequences. The phrase "he was under the influence" is also common in this regard.