on dope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on dope" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is under the influence of drugs, particularly illegal substances. Example: "He was acting strangely, and it turned out he was on dope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, badminton silver medallist Chong Wei has been forced to apologise to Chinese rival Lin Dan over a controversial YouTube rap video in which the gold medal winner was denigrated as "cocky" and "on dope" before being warned by film-maker (and sometimes rapper) Namewee: "I see you one time, I beat you up one time".

The Guardian - Sport

This mixed upbringing gave him another memorable trait: an Anglo-American sing-song intonation described by one critic as "Dick Van Dyke on dope".

The Guardian - Music

This is a memoir about a nerve-rattled Jew who got hooked on dope and bounced from one funny farm to the next.

Vice

He's on dope".

The New Yorker

Hooked on dope.

The New York Times

A lot of them seemed to be high on dope".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We take a very clear stance on anti-doping and adopt a zero-tolerance policy on doping offences in Scotland".

BBC

In an effort to avoid a ban from athletics, Russia offered "broad cooperation" on doping reforms on Friday, including the creation of a new anti-doping agency.

The Guardian - Sport

For years, WADA was one of baseball's biggest critics, accusing it of looking the other way on doping.

The New York Times - Sports

BEN RATLIFF YUNG JOC "Hustlenomic$" (Bad Boy South) When it first surfaced on mixtapes, "Coffee Shop," the cheerful single by Yung Joc, seemed like a goofy but effective twist on dope-boy rap.

The New York Times - Arts

What about your research on doping?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be cautious when using the phrase in professional or formal writing as it carries a strong colloquial connotation that might not be suitable for all contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "on dope" in academic papers or formal reports. Instead, opt for more neutral and precise language like "experiencing drug impairment" or "under the influence of controlled substances".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on dope" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating that someone is under the influence of drugs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. For instance, "He's on dope" uses the phrase adjectivally to describe the subject's state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on dope" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating someone is under the influence of drugs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable in written English but carries an informal tone. It is most often found in news and media contexts, less so in formal academic writing, where alternatives such as "under the influence" or "drug-induced state" are preferred. When using it, consider your audience and the appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the influence of drugs

This is a more formal and clinical way of saying someone is "on dope".

under the effect of drugs

This alternative is a more descriptive explanation of drug use and impairment.

high on narcotics

This phrase specifies the type of substance causing the intoxication.

stoned on drugs

This is a more colloquial way of saying someone is "on dope", emphasizing the altered state of mind.

intoxicated by drugs

This is a general term indicating a state of impaired mental and physical control due to drug use.

in a drug-induced state

This alternative focuses on the state of being caused by drug use.

addicted to drugs

This emphasizes the state of addiction rather than the immediate effect of the drugs.

experiencing drug impairment

This describes the diminished capacity due to drug consumption.

using illicit substances

This is a very formal and legalistic way of referring to drug use.

under the sway of drugs

This alternative conveys the controlling influence of drugs.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on dope"?

Being "on dope" generally means that someone is under the influence of illegal drugs and experiencing altered mental or physical states.

What can I say instead of "on dope" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can use alternatives like "under the influence of drugs", "experiencing drug impairment", or "using illicit substances".

Is "on dope" considered slang?

Yes, "on dope" is considered slang and is more commonly used in informal conversation or media.

How does the meaning of "on dope" differ from "addicted to drugs"?

"On dope" describes the immediate state of being under the influence, while "addicted to drugs" refers to a longer-term dependency and habitual use.