to be intoxicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be intoxicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Example: "After a few drinks at the party, he began to be intoxicated and lost track of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She is said to like liquor (a forbidden drink), to be intoxicated, and to be worshiped by intoxicated people.

Wikipedia

"I had to be intoxicated," she says.

Independent

"The perpetrators appeared to be intoxicated," Sergeant Monahan said.

The New York Times

When someone is suffering from mild ethanol poisoning, the person is said to be intoxicated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Victims of mild hypoxia may appear to be intoxicated and may even resist rescue attempts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He did not appear to be intoxicated," the trooper said during the defense cross-examination.

The New York Times

A spokesman for the authority said the man seemed to have become disoriented and appeared to officers to be intoxicated.

The New York Times

It was not immediately known why the ambulance was called, but the police said Mr. Jaccarino seemed to be intoxicated.

The New York Times

Reading gossip about JFK's affairs "is intoxicating but raises the question of whether we ought to be intoxicated.

Independent

I don't know how you explain that kind of behaviour and he didn't appear to be intoxicated".

Independent

Believing Mr. Fried to be intoxicated and seemingly uncooperative, the troopers tried to frisk and handcuff him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "to be intoxicated" and its synonyms; more formal settings may call for "to be inebriated" while informal settings allow for terms like "to be drunk" or "to be wasted".

Common error

Avoid using overly vague or euphemistic language when describing intoxication in situations where clarity is crucial, such as legal or medical contexts. Be direct and specific about the level and cause of impairment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be intoxicated" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase. It indicates a state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be intoxicated" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. While synonyms like ""to be drunk"" and "to be inebriated" exist, the choice depends on the level of formality required. When writing about intoxication, it's important to be clear and specific, avoiding overly vague language, especially in formal or legal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be inebriated

A more formal synonym for "to be intoxicated".

to be drunk

A common and direct synonym for "to be intoxicated", often referring specifically to alcohol.

to be under the influence

A more general term that can refer to being affected by alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

to be tipsy

Implies a mild state of intoxication.

to be plastered

An informal term indicating a high level of intoxication.

to be wasted

Slang term for being extremely intoxicated.

to be smashed

A very informal way to describe being heavily intoxicated.

to be boozed up

Informal, specifically related to alcohol consumption.

to be out of it

Describes a general state of disorientation or detachment, which can be due to intoxication.

to be impaired

Describes a state where abilities are diminished, often due to substance use.

FAQs

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

"To be intoxicated" is a more formal and general term that encompasses being under the influence of any substance, while ""to be drunk"" typically refers specifically to alcohol.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be intoxicated"?

The phrase "to be intoxicated" is appropriate in formal, medical, or legal contexts where a neutral and comprehensive term is needed to describe impairment due to any substance.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "to be intoxicated"?

While relatively neutral, "to be intoxicated" describes a state of impaired judgment and physical control, which can carry negative implications depending on the context. Terms like "to be wasted" or "to be smashed" are more explicitly negative.

What are some other ways to say someone is "to be intoxicated"?

Alternatives include "to be inebriated", "to be under the influence", "to be impaired", or simply ""to be drunk"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.