take an overdose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take an overdose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the act of consuming a harmful or excessive amount of a substance, typically drugs or medication. Example: "He was rushed to the hospital after he decided to take an overdose of painkillers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Tails, he would take an overdose of pills and leave no note.

The New York Times - Books

She could not cut her wrists, take an overdose or get on a plane to Dignitas.

The Guardian

She had always said she would rather take an overdose than become a burden.

The Guardian

My ex-husband came in and tried to force me to take an overdose in front of the children.

Independent

At one point she contemplates a conclusive method of suicide: take an overdose, slash one's wrists and then hang oneself.

The Guardian

But it's not like if someone doesn't like your house, you are going to take an overdose of drugs".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I took an overdose.

The Guardian

She committed suicide by taking an overdose.

The New Yorker

I have taken an overdose," it read.

Independent

I have taken an overdose.

The Guardian - Music

Then he took an overdose.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language when describing the substance involved in the "take an overdose" event. Specifying the type of drug or medication adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use the phrase "take an overdose" loosely. Overdosing refers to ingesting a quantity of a substance that is harmful or lethal. If you are referring to simply taking too much medication without harmful intent, use "exceeded the dosage" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take an overdose" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action, specifically the act of consuming a dangerous or lethal amount of a substance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take an overdose" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe the act of consuming a harmful or lethal amount of a substance, as confirmed by Ludwig. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, the context in which it's used often involves sensitive subjects such as suicide attempts or accidental poisoning. As Ludwig examples illustrate, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, scientific articles, and online resources. When writing about this topic, it's important to be sensitive and precise, avoiding sensationalism and providing resources for help when appropriate. The phrase has several alternatives, such as "consume a toxic amount" or "ingest a lethal dose", which may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a drug overdose

Clarifies that the overdose is related to drugs.

overdose on medication

Specifies the means of overdose, focusing on medical substances.

deliberately overdose

Emphasizes the intentional nature of the overdose.

purposefully overdose

Emphasizes the intentional aspect of the action using a different adverb.

ingest a lethal dose

Emphasizes the potential for death from the amount taken.

consume a toxic amount

Focuses on the dangerous quantity consumed.

ingest an excessive amount

Highlights the excess quantity.

self-administer a fatal dose

Formal and clinical way to express the concept.

attempt suicide by poisoning

Highlights the intent and method of self-harm.

take too many pills

Simple and direct way of expressing the action.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take an overdose"?

To "take an overdose" means to ingest a quantity of a substance, usually drugs or medication, that is harmful or lethal. It is often associated with suicide attempts or accidental poisoning.

What can I say instead of "take an overdose"?

You can use alternatives like "consume a toxic amount", "ingest a lethal dose", or "overdose on medication" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take an overdose"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "take an overdose". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrasing is common and acceptable in English writing.

What are some factors that can lead someone to "take an overdose"?

Factors that may lead someone to "take an overdose" include mental health issues like depression or anxiety, substance abuse problems, traumatic life events, or a combination of these issues.