Drunk vs. Drank vs. Drunken

Today, we will learn about the words “drunk,” “drank,” and “drunken.” They all come from the word “drink,” but they are used in different ways.

History

These words come from Old English. “Drank” is the past tense of “drink.” “Drunk” can mean both past tense and an adjective. “Drunken” is an old form of “drunk” used as an adjective.

How to Use Them

Drunk

“Drunk” is used in two ways:
1. Past participle of “drink.”
2. To describe someone who had too much alcohol.

Example Sentences

• He has drunk all the water.
• She had drunk orange juice before running.
• The cat has drunk all the milk.
• They were drunk after the party.
• Is he drunk?

Drank

“Drank” is the simple past tense of “drink.”

Example Sentences

• He drank water.
• She drank coffee this morning.
• The dog drank from the bowl.
• They drank juice at lunch.
• We drank too much soda.

Drunken

“Drunken” is an old adjective form. Mostly, it’s used in stories or special phrases.

Example Sentences

• The drunken man stumbled.
• They sang a drunken song.
• We saw a drunken fight.
• She wrote a tale of a drunken sailor.
• In the play, there’s a drunken king.

Trick to Remember the Difference

• “Drank” is used for past events.
• “Drunk” is used for completed actions and to describe someone after drinking alcohol.
• “Drunken” is an old adjective form, not used very often.

Summary

Use “drank” when talking about past actions of drinking. Use “drunk” for completed actions or to describe someone who drank too much alcohol. Use “drunken” sparingly, usually in stories or old phrases.