nursing a drink

USAGE SUMMARY

"nursing a drink" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to drink slowly and carefully, often savoring or enjoying the drink. It can be used in any context where someone is holding or drinking a beverage, such as at a bar, restaurant, or social event. Example: "She sat at the bar nursing a drink, lost in her thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A lanky young man alone at the bar, nursing a drink and smoking, speaks up.

The New York Times - Arts

Miss Shaw and Carmen Bryant, also 21 and black and nursing a drink at Justin's, offered another perspective.

The New York Times

Clooney gets his lonely Bogart moment, nursing a drink, and then, at the close, he stands with his departing love at an airport.

The New Yorker

He was wearing a cowboy hat, khakis and a blue blazer while nursing a drink someone had brought him, chatting with former colleagues and posing for pictures with admirers.

The New York Times

Much to the delight of bar owners, fans flocked to their local watering holes to watch the games where they were even charged a cover fee to prevent them from "nursing a drink through two hours of the basketball game".

The New York Times

(Schweitzer)20090827 ★ JEREMY DENK (Saturday) Classical music fans who enjoy listening to concerts in less formal spaces while nursing a drink have an increasing number of options, including the Highline Ballroom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At the bar, Dave Coolbaugh nursed a drink and a grudge.

The New York Times

Seth Green, whose show "Robot Chicken" is on the channel, nursed a drink at a bar.

The New York Times

"We're trusting in our leadership," said Peggy Jones, a 10-year G.M. employee, who nursed a drink decorated with an tiny umbrella.

The New York Times

Before the show, he nursed a drink and talked to whoever was around — mostly to Kostya, who had little to do but sit at the bar.

The New Yorker

Before the show, he nursed a drink and talked to whoever was around mostly to Kostya, who had little to do but sit at the bar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nursing a drink" to effectively convey a sense of relaxation, contemplation, or an attempt to prolong the enjoyment of a beverage, particularly in descriptive writing or character development.

Common error

While "nursing a drink" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "sipping", "lingering over", or "savoring" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nursing a drink" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe an action. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nursing a drink" is a grammatically correct and valid verb phrase used to describe the act of slowly and deliberately consuming a beverage. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase carries a neutral register and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. It often suggests a state of relaxation, contemplation, or an attempt to prolong the enjoyment of a beverage. While "nursing a drink" is an effective phrase, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "sipping" or "lingering over" to maintain variety in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nursing a beverage

A direct synonym, simply replacing "drink" with "beverage".

sipping a drink

Focuses on the small, measured intakes of the beverage.

lingering over a drink

Emphasizes the extended time spent with the drink.

slowly drinking

Highlights the unhurried pace of consumption.

taking small sips

Describes the action of drinking in very small quantities.

savoring a drink

Implies a deep appreciation and enjoyment of the beverage.

taking one's time with a drink

Emphasizes that the person is not rushing to finish the drink.

drawing out a drink

Highlights the attempt to make the drink last longer.

dawdling over a drink

Suggests a leisurely and perhaps aimless approach to drinking.

leisurely consuming a drink

Combines the idea of relaxation and slow consumption.

FAQs

What does "nursing a drink" mean?

The phrase "nursing a drink" means to drink slowly and deliberately, often to make the drink last longer or to savor it. It suggests a relaxed or contemplative mood.

What can I say instead of "nursing a drink"?

You can use alternatives like "sipping a drink", "lingering over a drink", or "savoring a drink" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "nursing a drink" formal or informal?

"Nursing a drink" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone of the writing than on the phrase itself.

How can I use "nursing a drink" effectively in my writing?

Use "nursing a drink" when you want to emphasize the slow, deliberate consumption of a beverage, often to convey a sense of relaxation, contemplation, or a desire to prolong enjoyment. It can also suggest a character is troubled or trying to avoid conversation.