Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Understanding the difference between Drank and Drunk is essential for clear, professional writing in American English. These two words are classic homophones-they sound almost identical in everyday speech, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions. Mixing them up is one of the most common spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language.
| Feature | Drank | Drunk |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The simple past tense of drink, meaning consumed liquid | The past participle of drink, or an adjective meaning intoxicated |
| Part of Speech | Verb | Verb (Past Participle) or Adjective |
| Pronunciation | /dræŋk/ (rhymes with bank) | /drʌŋk/ (rhymes with skunk) |
| Common Contexts | Past narratives, storytelling, daily routines | Perfect tenses, intoxication, law enforcement |
| Example | I drank a glass of water. | I have drunk a glass of water. |
| Memory Trick | A = Action (Simple past) | U = Used with have/has/had |
Understanding "Drank"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Verb)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Understanding "Drunk"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Verb, Adjective, Noun)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Key Differences
Core Definition
Drank is the simple past tense of drink. Drunk is the past participle of drink, or an adjective meaning intoxicated.
Helping Verbs
Drank stands alone as a simple past verb. Drunk (as a verb) requires a helping verb like have, has, or had.
Adjective Function
Drank cannot be used as an adjective. Drunk is commonly used as an adjective to describe intoxication from alcohol.
Pronunciation
Drank uses a short 'a' sound (/æ/). Drunk uses a short 'u' sound (/ʌ/).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Drank | Drunk |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The simple past tense of drink, meaning consumed liquid | The past participle of drink, or an adjective meaning intoxicated |
| Part of Speech | Verb | Verb (Past Participle) or Adjective |
| Pronunciation | /dræŋk/ (rhymes with bank) | /drʌŋk/ (rhymes with skunk) |
| Common Contexts | Past narratives, storytelling, daily routines | Perfect tenses, intoxication, law enforcement |
| Example | I drank a glass of water. | I have drunk a glass of water. |
| Memory Trick | A = Action (Simple past) | U = Used with have/has/had |
Grammar Rules
Grammar Rules & Mechanics
Understanding the distinction between simple past tense and past participles is the key to never confusing 'drank' and 'drunk' again.
Simple Past vs Past Participle
'Drank' is the simple past tense, requiring no helper. 'Drunk' is the past participle, requiring a helper verb.
- Correct: I drank the juice yesterday.
- Incorrect: I drunk the juice yesterday.
- Correct: I have drunk the juice.
- Incorrect: I have drank the juice.
Use 'drank' for simple past statements without helping verbs.
Use 'drunk' when paired with 'have' or 'has'.
The 'Have' Rule
If you can put 'have', 'has', or 'had' in front of the word, the word must be 'drunk'.
- Correct: She had drunk the water before the race.
- Incorrect: She had drank the water before the race.
'Had' is a helping verb, so it must be followed by the past participle 'drunk'.
Adjective Usage
'Drunk' can function as an adjective meaning intoxicated. 'Drank' cannot.
- Correct: He was drunk at the party.
- Incorrect: He was drank at the party.
When describing a state of intoxication, only 'drunk' is correct.
Passive Voice
In passive voice constructions, use the past participle 'drunk'.
- Correct: The milk was drunk by the cat.
- Incorrect: The milk was drank by the cat.
Passive voice requires 'be verb + past participle', so 'was drunk' is correct.
When to Use "Drank"
Specific scenarios where 'drank' is the correct choice. It is the simple past tense of 'drink' and describes an action that was completed in the past.
Completed Past Actions
Use 'drank' when describing a specific instance of consuming a liquid that happened and ended in the past.
Example: She drank a cup of coffee before work.
Storytelling and Narratives
Use 'drank' to recount events or tell a story about something that happened previously.
Example: The weary travelers drank from the cool stream.
Past Habits
Use 'drank' to describe a routine or habitual drinking action in the past.
Example: He drank orange juice every morning as a child.
Sequential Past Events
Use 'drank' when listing actions that occurred one after another in the past.
Example: He woke up, stretched, and drank a glass of water.
Recounting Meals
Use 'drank' to describe what was consumed during a past meal or gathering.
Example: We drank champagne at our anniversary dinner.
Describing Quantity
Use 'drank' to specify how much liquid was consumed in a past instance.
Example: The marathon runner drank three bottles of water.
Asking About the Past
Use 'drank' in informal questions about what someone consumed previously.
Example: Who drank all the milk?
Historical Contexts
Use 'drank' when describing historical figures or past eras.
Example: The ancient Romans drank wine diluted with water.
When to Use "Drunk"
Specific scenarios where 'drunk' is the correct choice. It serves as the past participle of 'drink' (used with helping verbs) or as an adjective meaning intoxicated.
Present Perfect Tense
Use 'drunk' with 'have' or 'has' to describe a past action with relevance to the present.
Example: I have drunk three cups of tea today.
Past Perfect Tense
Use 'drunk' with 'had' to describe an action completed before another past action.
Example: She had drunk the entire pitcher before the guests arrived.
Describing Intoxication
Use 'drunk' as an adjective to describe someone who has consumed too much alcohol.
Example: He was too drunk to drive home safely.
Future Perfect Tense
Use 'drunk' with 'will have' to describe a completed action before a specific future time.
Example: By midnight, they will have drunk all the champagne.
Passive Voice
Use 'drunk' in passive constructions to emphasize the liquid rather than the drinker.
Example: The rare tea is drunk only during special ceremonies.
Figurative Intoxication
Use 'drunk' figuratively to describe being overwhelmed by an emotion or power.
Example: The dictator was drunk on his own authority.
As a Noun
Use 'drunk' as a noun to refer to a person who is intoxicated.
Example: The police arrested the drunk sleeping on the bench.
Medical and Legal Contexts
Use 'drunk' in legal or medical terms related to alcohol impairment.
Example: He was charged with drunk driving.
Common Expressions
Idioms and standard phrases that rely on the specific meaning of each word.
Expressions with "Drank"
1. Drank water
Meaning: Referring to the past action of hydrating with water.
Example: The runner drank water after the marathon.
2. Drank coffee
Meaning: Describing the past consumption of coffee.
Example: I drank two cups of coffee this morning.
3. Drank heavily
Meaning: Describing a past instance of consuming large amounts of alcohol.
Example: He drank heavily during his college years.
4. Drank responsibly
Meaning: Describing the past action of consuming alcohol in moderation.
Example: They drank responsibly at the wedding.
5. Drank a toast
Meaning: The act of raising glasses and drinking in honor of someone or something in the past.
Example: The guests drank a toast to the newlyweds.
6. Drank milk
Meaning: Referring to the past action of consuming milk.
Example: The child drank all her milk before school.
7. Drank juice
Meaning: Describing the past consumption of fruit or vegetable juice.
Example: I drank orange juice for breakfast.
8. Drank slowly
Meaning: Describing the manner in which a liquid was consumed in the past.
Example: She drank slowly to savor the expensive wine.
9. Drank quickly
Meaning: Describing the rapid consumption of a liquid in the past.
Example: He drank quickly because he was very thirsty.
10. Drank tea
Meaning: Referring to the past action of consuming tea.
Example: We drank tea in the garden yesterday.
11. Drank from the fountain
Meaning: Describing the past action of consuming water directly from a source.
Example: The dog drank from the fountain.
12. Drank the potion
Meaning: A narrative use describing the past consumption of a magical or medicinal liquid.
Example: The hero drank the potion and felt invincible.
13. Drank it all
Meaning: Emphasizing that no liquid was left after past consumption.
Example: He was so thirsty he drank it all.
14. Drank a glass
Meaning: Specifying the quantity of liquid consumed in the past.
Example: She drank a glass of wine with dinner.
15. Drank a bottle
Meaning: Referring to the past consumption of a full bottle of liquid.
Example: They drank a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
16. Drank a cup
Meaning: Specifying the volume of a hot beverage consumed in the past.
Example: I drank a cup of tea to calm down.
17. Drank in silence
Meaning: Describing the atmosphere during a past drinking action.
Example: The men drank in silence at the bar.
18. Drank like a fish
Meaning: An idiom describing someone who drank alcohol excessively in the past.
Example: In his twenties, he drank like a fish.
19. Drank away sorrows
Meaning: Using alcohol in the past to forget problems.
Example: He drank away his sorrows after losing his job.
20. Drank to health
Meaning: The past act of toasting to someone's wellbeing.
Example: We drank to the health of the retiring professor.
Expressions with "Drunk"
1. Have drunk
Meaning: Present perfect tense indicating a past action with present relevance.
Example: I have drunk enough water for today.
2. Had drunk
Meaning: Past perfect tense indicating an action completed before another past action.
Example: She had drunk the coffee before the meeting started.
3. Has drunk
Meaning: Third-person singular present perfect tense.
Example: The cat has drunk all its milk.
4. Will have drunk
Meaning: Future perfect tense indicating a completed action before a future time.
Example: By midnight, we will have drunk all the champagne.
5. Drunk driver
Meaning: An adjective phrase describing someone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Example: The drunk driver was arrested on the highway.
6. Drunk driving
Meaning: A noun phrase for the crime of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Example: He was charged with drunk driving.
7. Too drunk
Meaning: An adjective phrase indicating excessive alcohol intoxication.
Example: She was too drunk to stand up.
8. Get drunk
Meaning: A phrase describing the process of becoming intoxicated.
Example: They plan to get drunk at the festival.
9. Got drunk
Meaning: Past tense phrase describing becoming intoxicated.
Example: He got drunk at the office party.
10. Feel drunk
Meaning: Describing the sensation of intoxication.
Example: After one beer, I already feel drunk.
11. Drunk on power
Meaning: A figurative phrase describing someone corrupted by authority.
Example: The tyrant was drunk on power.
12. Drunk on love
Meaning: A figurative phrase describing the overwhelming feeling of infatuation.
Example: The newlyweds were drunk on love.
13. Drunk text
Meaning: A message sent while intoxicated, often regretted later.
Example: I shouldn't have sent that drunk text last night.
14. Drunk dial
Meaning: The act of calling someone while intoxicated.
Example: He tried to drunk dial his ex-girlfriend.
15. Drunk uncle
Meaning: A cultural trope referring to an embarrassing, intoxicated relative at family events.
Example: Everyone groaned when the drunk uncle started telling jokes.
16. Stumbling drunk
Meaning: An adjective phrase for severe intoxication affecting motor skills.
Example: He was stumbling drunk by the end of the night.
17. Falling down drunk
Meaning: An extreme phrase for intoxication so severe the person cannot stand.
Example: She was falling down drunk and had to be carried home.
18. Blind drunk
Meaning: An idiom for being completely and helplessly intoxicated.
Example: The crew was blind drunk after their shore leave.
19. Dead drunk
Meaning: A phrase describing someone who is deeply unconscious from alcohol.
Example: He came home dead drunk and slept on the floor.
20. Cheap drunk
Meaning: A phrase for someone who becomes intoxicated very easily or quickly.
Example: I'm a cheap drunk; two glasses of wine and I'm tipsy.
Collocations
Drank water
Meaning: Consumed water in the past.
Example: The marathon runner drank water at the finish line.
Drank coffee
Meaning: Consumed coffee in the past.
Example: I drank coffee to wake up this morning.
Drank heavily
Meaning: Consumed alcohol excessively in the past.
Example: His father drank heavily when he was young.
Drank responsibly
Meaning: Consumed alcohol in moderation in the past.
Example: We drank responsibly and took a taxi home.
Drank a toast
Meaning: Raised glasses and consumed a drink in honor of someone in the past.
Example: The crowd drank a toast to the victorious team.
Drank milk
Meaning: Consumed milk in the past.
Example: The cat drank milk from the saucer.
Drank juice
Meaning: Consumed juice in the past.
Example: She drank juice with her breakfast.
Drank slowly
Meaning: Consumed a liquid at a slow pace in the past.
Example: He drank slowly to make the expensive drink last.
Drank quickly
Meaning: Consumed a liquid rapidly in the past.
Example: The thirsty child drank quickly.
Drank tea
Meaning: Consumed tea in the past.
Example: We drank tea by the fireplace.
Have drunk
Meaning: Present perfect tense of drink.
Example: I have drunk my fill of water today.
Had drunk
Meaning: Past perfect tense of drink.
Example: She had drunk the soda before I arrived.
Drunk driver
Meaning: A person driving under the influence of alcohol.
Example: The police pulled over the drunk driver.
Get drunk
Meaning: To become intoxicated.
Example: They plan to get drunk at the concert.
Too drunk
Meaning: Intoxicated to an excessive or dangerous level.
Example: He was too drunk to walk straight.
Drunk on power
Meaning: Figuratively intoxicated by having too much authority.
Example: The manager was drunk on power.
Drunk text
Meaning: A text message sent while intoxicated.
Example: I regretted sending that drunk text.
Blind drunk
Meaning: Completely and helplessly intoxicated.
Example: He was blind drunk by midnight.
Cheap drunk
Meaning: Someone who becomes intoxicated easily.
Example: She's a cheap drunk; one glass of wine is enough.
Falling down drunk
Meaning: So intoxicated that one cannot remain upright.
Example: He was falling down drunk at the party.
Idioms
Drank the Kool-Aid
Meaning: To have become a firm believer in a concept or ideology, often blindly.
Example: He drank the Kool-Aid and now follows the guru everywhere.
Drank like a fish
Meaning: To have consumed large amounts of alcohol habitually in the past.
Example: My grandfather drank like a fish, but he quit cold turkey.
Drank someone under the table
Meaning: To have consumed more alcohol than someone else without passing out.
Example: She drank the heavyweight champion under the table.
Drank to excess
Meaning: To have consumed too much alcohol in a past instance.
Example: He drank to excess at the wedding and regretted it the next day.
Drank away one's sorrows
Meaning: To have consumed alcohol to forget past problems or sadness.
Example: After losing his job, he drank away his sorrows at the bar.
Drank the night away
Meaning: To have spent the entire night drinking alcohol.
Example: The college students drank the night away before finals.
Drank to someone's health
Meaning: To have raised a glass and consumed a drink in honor of someone.
Example: We drank to the bride and groom's health.
Drank one's fill
Meaning: To have consumed as much liquid as one desired.
Example: The weary traveler drank his fill at the oasis.
Drank the cup dry
Meaning: To have consumed every last drop from a container.
Example: The child drank the cup dry and asked for more.
Drank in the scenery
Meaning: To have visually absorbed and appreciated a beautiful environment.
Example: We stood on the cliff and drank in the scenery.
Drunk as a skunk
Meaning: Extremely intoxicated.
Example: He came home from the party drunk as a skunk.
Drunk as a lord
Meaning: Very intoxicated, often implying wealth allowing excessive drinking.
Example: The aristocrat was drunk as a lord by the end of the feast.
Drunk with power
Meaning: Corrupted or made reckless by having too much authority.
Example: The new manager was drunk with power.
Get drunk
Meaning: To become intoxicated.
Example: Let's go out and get drunk tonight.
Blind drunk
Meaning: So intoxicated that one's vision and senses are impaired.
Example: He was blind drunk and couldn't find his keys.
Dead drunk
Meaning: So intoxicated that one passes out completely.
Example: She was dead drunk and had to be carried to bed.
Cheap drunk
Meaning: A person who becomes intoxicated very quickly or with little alcohol.
Example: I'm a cheap drunk; one cocktail and I'm tipsy.
Falling down drunk
Meaning: So intoxicated that one cannot remain standing.
Example: The frat boy was falling down drunk on the lawn.
Crying drunk
Meaning: An intoxicated person who becomes overly emotional and weepy.
Example: She's a crying drunk; she always tears up after a few glasses of wine.
Silly drunk
Meaning: An intoxicated person who becomes giddy and laughs uncontrollably.
Example: He's a silly drunk; he tells terrible jokes all night.
Example Sentences
Easy
- I drank a glass of water.
- He has drunk all the juice.
- She drank her tea this morning.
- The cat drank the milk.
- We have drunk the lemonade.
- They drank coffee at the diner.
- I had drunk the soda before lunch.
- The baby drank from a bottle.
- He is too drunk to drive.
- She drank a glass of wine.
- We have drunk enough water today.
- The dog drank from the bowl.
- I drank my hot chocolate quickly.
- She had drunk the broth before I arrived.
- He was drunk last night.
- They drank a toast to the winner.
- The milk was drunk by the children.
- I drank a cup of green tea.
- He has drunk his fill.
- She drank the medicine.
Intermediate
- The marathon runners drank water at every checkpoint to stay hydrated.
- She realized she had drunk too much coffee when her hands started shaking.
- He drank heavily during his college years but quit entirely after his thirtieth birthday.
- By the time the police arrived, the drunk driver had already crashed into a mailbox.
- We have drunk the expensive wine, so we should save the bottle as a keepsake.
- The ancient warriors drank from the river before continuing their march.
- She was so drunk at the office party that she sent an embarrassing email to her boss.
- He drank the herbal tea slowly, savoring the soothing aroma.
- The rare tea is drunk only during special ceremonies in that region.
- They drank a toast to the newlyweds and wished them a lifetime of happiness.
- I had drunk the entire pitcher of lemonade before anyone else wanted a glass.
- The dictator was drunk on power and ignored the protests of his citizens.
- She drank in the scenery as the train wound through the mountains.
- If he has drunk the last of the milk, he needs to go to the store to buy more.
- The police arrested the drunk man who was sleeping on the park bench.
- He drank responsibly and designated a friend to drive him home.
- By midnight, the guests will have drunk all the champagne provided by the host.
- She drank the strange potion and immediately felt a surge of energy.
- I regret sending that drunk text to my ex-boyfriend last night.
- The weary travelers drank from the cool stream to quench their intense thirst.
Advanced
- The enigmatic detective drank his black coffee in silence while meticulously reviewing the case files.
- The researcher discovered that the ancient tribe had drunk a fermented beverage during religious rituals.
- The senator was accused of being drunk on power after bypassing the legislative council.
- Having drunk the poisoned wine, the king collapsed dramatically in the banquet hall.
- The wealthy aristocrat drank like a fish, yet somehow managed to maintain his pristine public reputation.
- The cocktail is traditionally drunk with a twist of lime and a salted rim.
- Despite having drunk excessively, the protagonist managed to solve the mystery before dawn.
- The philosopher argued that society is drunk on consumerism, blindly purchasing goods they do not need.
- The wounded soldier drank the last of his water rations, knowing rescue was still days away.
- By the time the toxicology report arrived, the victim had already drunk the lethal dose.
- She was so blind drunk that she couldn't comprehend the severity of the situation unfolding around her.
- The solemn ritual required that the sacred elixir be drunk by all members of the council simultaneously.
- He had drunk the Kool-Aid of the radical group, abandoning all his previous logical beliefs.
- The eccentric artist drank absinthe to stimulate his creativity, claiming it opened doors to other realms.
- The historical text detailed how the defeated general drank away his sorrows in a dimly lit tavern.
- She had drunk the tea so quickly that she didn't notice the strange aftertaste until it was too late.
- The CEO, drunk on his own success, ignored the warning signs of the impending market crash.
- The rare vintage wine is best drunk at room temperature to appreciate its complex bouquet.
- After he drank the mysterious liquid, his vision blurred and the room began to spin violently.
- The jury was instructed to disregard the testimony of the witness who was visibly drunk on the stand.
Academic
- The anthropological study indicates that the fermented beverage was drunk exclusively by the high priests.
- The researchers observed that the mice which had drunk the solution exhibited increased cognitive function.
- The literature review highlights how the protagonist drank heavily to cope with post-war trauma.
- The control group has drunk the placebo, while the experimental group received the active drug.
- The historical analysis suggests that the contaminated water was drunk by the entire settlement, causing the epidemic.
- The sociology paper examines the phenomenon of college students getting drunk as a rite of passage.
- The subjects reported that they had drunk at least two liters of fluid prior to the physical exertion test.
- The experiment demonstrates how the chemical solution is drunk by the insects to induce paralysis.
- The thesis argues that the general populace was drunk on propaganda during the regime's rise to power.
- The laboratory mice that drank the altered compound showed a 40% increase in lifespan.
- The research indicates that the herbal extract, when drunk daily, can reduce blood pressure.
- The study on addiction profiles individuals who have drunk excessively for over a decade.
- The ritualistic chalice was drunk from by the king to symbolize his divine right to rule.
- The chemical reaction occurs only after the solvent has been drunk by the test subject.
- The historical text verifies that the contaminated brew was drunk during the religious festival.
- The clinical trial requires that the solution be drunk within a two-minute window to ensure absorption.
- The subjects who drank the high-glucose beverage performed better on memory tests.
- The data shows that the bacteria thrive in environments where the infected host has drunk contaminated water.
- The literary critique emphasizes that the character drank to escape the existential dread of modernity.
- The findings suggest that the neurotoxin, when drunk, bypasses the blood-brain barrier rapidly.
Business
- The executives drank coffee while negotiating the merger.
- We have drunk the last of the complimentary coffee in the breakroom.
- The manager was fired after he came to the meeting visibly drunk.
- The client drank his tea while reviewing the proposed marketing strategy.
- By the end of the conference, the attendees will have drunk hundreds of cups of coffee.
- The company policy strictly prohibits employees from operating machinery if they have drunk alcohol.
- The CEO drank champagne to celebrate the record-breaking quarterly profits.
- The startup founder was drunk on the sudden influx of venture capital.
- The team drank a toast to the successful launch of the new software.
- I realized I had drunk too much espresso when my presentation notes started blurring.
- The international delegates drank green tea during the signing of the trade agreement.
- The firm experienced a PR disaster when the drunk executive insulted a key investor.
- The caterers ensured that the guests had drunk plenty of water during the long networking event.
- He drank a protein shake after his workout at the corporate gym.
- The HR department issued a warning about sending drunk texts to colleagues after the holiday party.
- The vice president drank his coffee black, preferring no sugar or cream.
- The annual report noted that the company had drunk its way through a massive budget surplus.
- They drank expensive scotch while finalizing the details of the acquisition.
- The product launch was delayed because the lead engineer was too drunk to present.
- The water cooler was empty because someone had drunk the last cup without refilling it.
Real-Life Conversations
Morning Routine
Roommate 1: Did you make coffee this morning?
Roommate 2: Yes, but I drank the last of it. You'll have to make a new pot.
Roommate 1: That's fine. I have drunk enough water today anyway.
Roommate 2: I'll make sure to brew extra tomorrow.
Party Aftermath
Friend 1: I feel terrible today. My head is pounding.
Friend 2: That's because you drank three glasses of wine and two shots of tequila.
Friend 1: Was I really that drunk?
Friend 2: You were completely drunk. You even tried to drunk dial your boss.
Restaurant
Waiter: Can I get you anything to drink?
Customer: I'll have the iced tea. I have drunk the water here before and it tastes strange.
Waiter: Excellent choice. The iced tea is best drunk with a slice of lemon.
Customer: Perfect. Last time I came here, I drank the lemonade and it was too sweet.
Road Trip
Driver: We need to pull over. That truck is swerving.
Passenger: It looks like the driver is drunk. We should call the police.
Driver: I agree. People who have drunk alcohol should not be on the road.
Formal vs Informal Usage
Professional Emails
In professional contexts, 'drank' refers to past consumption at events, while 'drunk' is used in perfect tenses or HR policies.
Example: We drank coffee during the meeting. The policy states that employees who have drunk alcohol cannot operate machinery.
Legal Writing
Legal documents use 'drank' for past actions of consumption, and 'drunk' as an adjective for intoxication.
Example: The defendant drank two beers. He was found guilty of drunk driving.
Business English
Hospitality Industry
In hospitality, 'drank' describes what a guest consumed, while 'drunk' describes the ideal way to consume a beverage.
Example: The guest drank the wine. The port is traditionally drunk at room temperature.
Human Resources
HR uses 'drank' for past behaviors and 'drunk' as an adjective for workplace intoxication.
Example: He drank at the party. The manager was fired for being drunk on the job.
Academic Writing
Research Papers
In academic writing, 'drank' describes past actions of subjects, while 'drunk' is used in perfect tenses or passive voice.
Example: The mice drank the solution. The data shows that the liquid has been drunk by the control group.
Historical Analysis
Historians use 'drank' to describe past consumption and 'drunk' to describe figures corrupted by power.
Example: The knights drank ale. The king was drunk on his own authority.
Common Mistakes
I drunk a glass of water yesterday.
Correct: I drank a glass of water yesterday.
Why: 'Drank' is the simple past tense and does not take a helping verb.
She has drank all the juice.
Correct: She has drunk all the juice.
Why: When using 'has', 'have', or 'had', you must use the past participle 'drunk'.
He was drank at the party.
Correct: He was drunk at the party.
Why: 'Drunk' is the adjective meaning intoxicated. 'Drank' cannot be an adjective.
The milk was drank by the cat.
Correct: The milk was drunk by the cat.
Why: Passive voice requires the past participle 'drunk'.
They had drank the tea before we arrived.
Correct: They had drunk the tea before we arrived.
Why: The past perfect tense uses 'had' plus the past participle 'drunk'.
I have drank three cups of coffee today.
Correct: I have drunk three cups of coffee today.
Why: The present perfect tense uses 'have' plus the past participle 'drunk'.
By midnight, we will have drank all the champagne.
Correct: By midnight, we will have drunk all the champagne.
Why: The future perfect tense uses 'will have' plus the past participle 'drunk'.
Who drunk the last of the milk?
Correct: Who drank the last of the milk?
Why: Asking about a simple past action requires 'drank'.
The drunk driver drank the wheel.
Correct: The drunk driver drove the wheel.
Why: 'Drunk' is an adjective here, but 'drank' cannot be used as a verb for driving. This highlights the distinct roles of the words.
He drank in the beautiful scenery.
Correct: He drank in the beautiful scenery.
Why: This sentence is correct. 'Drank in' is a phrasal verb meaning to absorb visually.
Learning Tips
Memory Trick: A = Action
'Drank' has an 'A'. Think of 'A' for 'Action' in the simple past. (I drank).
Memory Trick: U = Used with have
'Drunk' has a 'U'. Think of 'U' for 'Used with have', 'has', or 'had'. (I have drunk).
Pronunciation Focus
'Drank' rhymes with 'bank' (short a). 'Drunk' rhymes with 'skunk' (short u).
The 'Have' Rule
If you can put 'have', 'has', or 'had' immediately in front of the word, the word must be 'drunk'.
Adjective Check
If the word describes someone who is intoxicated (e.g., 'he is drunk'), it is always 'drunk' and never 'drank'.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the main difference between drank and drunk?
'Drank' is the simple past tense of drink. 'Drunk' is the past participle, used with helping verbs, or an adjective meaning intoxicated.
Why are drank and drunk so commonly confused?
They are both past tense forms of the irregular verb 'drink'. Because their spellings are similar and they both refer to past actions, they are easily mixed up.
Can 'drank' and 'drunk' be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot. 'Drank' stands alone as a simple past verb, while 'drunk' requires a helping verb or functions as an adjective.
Is 'I have drank' grammatically correct?
No, the correct form is 'I have drunk'. The helping verb 'have' must be followed by the past participle.
Is 'drunk' only used for alcohol?
No. While it is commonly used as an adjective for alcohol intoxication, as a past participle verb it applies to any liquid (e.g., 'I have drunk water').
What is the past participle of drink?
The past participle of drink is 'drunk'. It is used in perfect tenses and passive voice.
What is the simple past tense of drink?
The simple past tense of drink is 'drank'. It is used to describe completed past actions.
Is 'drunk' a noun?
Yes, 'drunk' can function as a noun referring to a person who is intoxicated (e.g., 'The police arrested the drunk').
Do 'drank' and 'drunk' share the same etymology?
Yes, both come from the Old English word 'drincan'. They are simply different grammatical forms of the same modern verb.
What does 'drunk on power' mean?
It is a figurative idiom meaning someone is corrupted, reckless, or overwhelmed by having too much authority.
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