what were you drinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what were you drinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about someone's beverage choice in a past context, often in a casual or conversational setting. Example: "At the party last night, I noticed you had a strange drink. What were you drinking?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What were you drinking?

The Guardian

"And what were you drinking?" Ms. Eisner added.

The New York Times

Martin's response, after granting the extension, was measured: "What were you drinking last night?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What are you drinking: A playful cocktail by drink master Alex Straus called the Kriss Kross, sipped upstairs at L.P. on the rooftop.

Los Angeles Times

(Like a drink? Vodka? Scotch? As it comes? What are you drinking? How's your glass? Christ - who cares?) There isn't a soda-siphon, but there might as well be.

The Guardian - Film

What are you drinking?

The New York Times

"So what are you drinking?

The Economist

That's what I called for!" "What are you drinking?" "Busch Light — you know, man beer".

The New Yorker

"What are you drinking?" I explain about the bottle and the bridge.

The New Yorker

When you go to the pub of an evening, what are you drinking?

The Guardian - Sport

"What are you drinking in the office today?" I asked, in the abrupt tone sometimes associated with people in the throes of severe caffeine withdrawal.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what were you drinking" to inquire about someone's choice of beverage in a past context. It's suitable for casual conversation and friendly interactions.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "what were you drinking" might sound too informal in a business meeting or academic discussion. Opt for more formal alternatives like "What beverage did you have?" or "Could you please specify your drink of choice?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what were you drinking" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about someone's past beverage consumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to initiate a conversation about a drink choice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what were you drinking" is a common and grammatically correct way to inquire about someone's past beverage choice, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves as a casual conversational opener. While suitable for everyday interactions, consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember to use it to show interest and keep the conversation flowing. By understanding its context and nuances, you enhance your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What did you drink?

Focuses on the action of drinking rather than a more detailed inquiry.

What beverage did you have?

Uses a more formal term for 'drink'.

What were you sipping on?

Emphasizes the act of slowly drinking something.

What drink did you choose?

Highlights the selection process.

What was in your glass?

Focuses on the contents of the drinking vessel.

What kind of drink was that?

Asks for the type or category of the drink.

Can you describe what you drank?

Asks for a description of the beverage.

What were you imbibing?

Uses a more formal word for drinking.

What refreshment did you enjoy?

Uses 'refreshment' to refer to the drink.

What liquid were you consuming?

A more clinical or detached way of asking.

FAQs

How do I use "what were you drinking" in a sentence?

You can use "what were you drinking" to ask someone about the beverage they consumed in the past. For example: "I saw you at the bar last night; what were you drinking?"

What can I say instead of "what were you drinking"?

You can use alternatives like "what did you drink" or "what beverage did you have" depending on the context.

Is "what were you drinking" appropriate in formal settings?

While grammatically correct, "what were you drinking" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, it's better to use phrases like "What beverage did you have?"

What's the difference between "what were you drinking" and "what did you drink"?

"What were you drinking" implies a continuous action in the past, while "what did you drink" refers to a completed action. The difference is subtle, but the continuous form can suggest more interest in the experience.