to be drunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be drunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of intoxication due to alcohol consumption. Example: "After a few too many drinks at the party, he was clearly to be drunk and needed assistance getting home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eventually, it has to be drunk.

The New York Times

She didn't appear to be drunk.

The New York Times

That's why you have to be drunk.

The Guardian

It is meant to be drunk.

The New York Times - Food

Kolya was said to be drunk at the time.

The New Yorker

'I'd drink everyday to be drunk and not feel anything.

The Guardian

"I don't understand wanting to be drunk at 8am.

The Guardian - Sport

I am going to be drunk later, I suspect".

The Guardian - Sport

How easy it is to be drunk on yesterday's news.

The New York Times - Style

People are going to be drunk, rowdy and obnoxious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each is designed to be drunk by the shot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be drunk" in contexts where you want to clearly and directly indicate a state of intoxication. For example, when reporting observations or describing personal experiences.

Common error

While there are many colorful ways to describe being drunk, using overly vague or euphemistic language can sometimes obscure your meaning. Be direct when clarity is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be drunk" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It follows a linking verb (such as "is", "was", "seems", "appears") to describe the subject's state of intoxication. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis which shows it describing conditions or states, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be drunk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a predicate adjective phrase. It serves the purpose of describing a state of intoxication, with a register that leans towards neutral, making it suitable for various contexts from news reports to casual conversations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted in English and offers a straightforward way to convey the condition of someone being under the influence of alcohol. While numerous synonyms exist, it's important to choose one that matches the desired level of formality and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be intoxicated

Formal synonym for being under the influence of alcohol.

to be inebriated

A more formal and less common synonym for "to be drunk".

to be tipsy

Describes a state of slight intoxication.

to be plastered

Informal term implying a high level of intoxication.

to be smashed

Slang term for being heavily intoxicated.

to be hammered

Another informal term for being very drunk.

to be sloshed

Informal way to describe someone who is quite drunk.

to be boozed up

Suggests intoxication due to drinking alcohol.

to be under the influence

A legal and medical term for being affected by a substance, often alcohol.

to be out of it

Describes a state where someone is not fully aware or responsive, possibly due to alcohol or drugs.

FAQs

How can I use "to be drunk" in a sentence?

You can use "to be drunk" to describe someone's state after consuming alcohol. For example, "He was said "to be drunk" at the time of the accident."

What are some alternatives to "to be drunk"?

Alternatives include "to be intoxicated", "to be inebriated", or "to be tipsy" depending on the level of intoxication you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "to be drunk"?

Yes, "to be drunk" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe the state of being intoxicated.

What's the difference between "to be drunk" and "to have drunk"?

"To be drunk" describes a state, while "to have drunk" describes the act of drinking alcohol. For example, "He appeared "to be drunk"" describes his current state, while "He admitted "to have drunk" several beers" describes his past action.