slightly intoxicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly intoxicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has consumed alcohol to a minor extent, resulting in a mild state of inebriation. Example: "After a couple of drinks at the party, I felt slightly intoxicated but still able to carry on a conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

One said Officer Kim "appeared slightly intoxicated".

The New York Times

Ms. Mandlin added, "Everyone was trying to compute the whole thing while slightly intoxicated".

The New York Times

The official said that two of the four women later indicated that Officer Kim had not appeared to be drunk, while a third said he "appeared slightly intoxicated".

The New York Times

One night, in a restaurant, a slightly intoxicated American man with an 11 year old son, asks them to join him for dinner.

The New Yorker

John Fowler, slightly intoxicated, visits a beach carnival After winning a stack of silver dollars he is so delighted that he starts throwing them to a small boy.

The New Yorker

After a bit of good-natured pestering, she agrees to sell all of us one drink so we can discuss the heady topic of race in America while slightly intoxicated.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Bracing, clubby, slightly intoxicating.

The Guardian - Opinion

The air was fresh and sharp, slightly intoxicating, like pure oxygen administered through a mask, or ether.

The Guardian - Books

Page B10 Weekend EXHIBIT ON THE HISTORY OF BREWING IN NEW YORK A slightly intoxicating new exhibition at the New-York Historical Society, "Beer Here: Brewing New York's History," ends in a small Beer Hall, where you can imbibe, Edward Rothstein writes.

The New York Times

Here, in the last gallery of the fresh and, yes, slightly intoxicating new exhibition at the New-York Historical Society, "Beer Here: Brewing New York's History," I was reminded just what all the fuss was about during the course of recorded history, or at least, in this case, the recorded history of New York State.

The New York Times - Arts

Bar crawling wasn't on the agenda, not with two teenagers in tow, but as we strolled the crowded docks and bustling streets of Key West, passing dozens of bars (and T-shirt shops), we couldn't help soaking in the relaxing, slightly intoxicating aura the island exudes.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "slightly intoxicated", be mindful of the context. It's a relatively mild term, so ensure it accurately reflects the person's condition and avoid using it in situations where a stronger term is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly intoxicated" when the person is clearly exhibiting signs of significant impairment. Overstating or understating the level of intoxication can be misleading and may have legal or social consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly intoxicated" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person) to describe their state of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct. It indicates a mild level of alcohol impairment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly intoxicated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that accurately describes a mild state of alcohol impairment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of the degree of intoxication you're describing and choose it when you need something milder and more subtle than just "drunk". Alternatives include "a bit tipsy" or "lightly inebriated". Remember to avoid overstating or understating the level of intoxication for clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a little drunk

Uses a more direct and simple term to explain the state.

a bit tipsy

Replaces "slightly intoxicated" with a more informal term.

mildly drunk

Uses a more direct synonym for "intoxicated".

lightly inebriated

Employs a more formal synonym for "intoxicated".

slightly under the influence

A formal and direct way of describing a low level of intoxication.

somewhat impaired

Focuses on the diminished capacity due to alcohol.

having a buzz

Uses slang to describe a mild level of intoxication.

feeling the effects of alcohol

Describes the physiological impact of alcohol consumption.

under the influence (to a small degree)

Clarifies the extent of being under the influence.

affected by alcohol

A general way to refer to alcohol's impact.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly intoxicated" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly intoxicated" to describe someone who has consumed a small amount of alcohol and is experiencing mild effects. For example, "After one glass of wine, she felt "slightly intoxicated" but still capable of driving home safely (which you should never do)."

What's the difference between "slightly intoxicated" and "drunk"?

"Slightly intoxicated" implies a mild level of impairment, while "drunk" suggests a more significant loss of control and coordination. The degree of impairment is the key difference.

What can I say instead of "slightly intoxicated"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit tipsy", "lightly inebriated", or "somewhat impaired" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly intoxicated" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "slightly intoxicated" is generally more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or clinical terms like "mildly impaired" or "under the influence to a minor degree".