Are you confused about whether to use “drunkenness” or “drunkeness”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Both words are commonly used, but which one is correct?
The proper word is “drunkenness.” It is defined as the state of being drunk or intoxicated. On the other hand, “drunkeness” is not a word in the English language and is considered incorrect.
In this article, we will explore the differences between the two words and why it’s important to use the correct spelling. We’ll also discuss the history of the word “drunkenness” and how it has evolved over time. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the proper usage of “drunkenness” and why it matters.
Define Drunkenness
Drunkenness is a state of being intoxicated due to the consumption of alcohol or other substances. It is characterized by impaired judgment, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and altered perception. The effects of drunkenness can vary depending on the amount and type of alcohol consumed, as well as the individual’s tolerance and metabolism. In extreme cases, drunkenness can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Define Drunkeness
Drunkeness is a misspelling of the word “drunkenness.” While it may be a common error, it is important to use the correct spelling in order to convey a professional and knowledgeable tone. Using the incorrect spelling can also lead to confusion or misunderstandings when communicating about the topic of alcohol consumption and its effects on the body. Therefore, it is crucial to always double-check the spelling of words before using them in any written or verbal communication.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words drunkenness and drunkeness in a sentence, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two. Here’s a guide on how to use each word correctly:
How To Use “Drunkenness” In A Sentence
Drunkenness is a noun that refers to the state of being drunk or intoxicated. It’s important to note that drunkenness is typically used in a negative context, as it implies a loss of control and responsibility. Here are a few examples of how to use drunkenness in a sentence:
- His drunkenness at the party was embarrassing.
- The police arrested him for public drunkenness.
- She regretted her drunkenness the next morning.
As you can see, drunkenness is often used to describe a negative behavior or consequence of drinking too much alcohol.
How To Use “Drunkeness” In A Sentence
Drunkeness is a misspelling of the word drunkenness. While it may be tempting to use the shorter version, it’s important to use the correct spelling to ensure that your writing is clear and professional. If you do accidentally use drunkeness, most spell checkers will catch the error and suggest the correct spelling. Here’s an example of how drunkeness should not be used:
- His drunkeness at the party was embarrassing.
Remember, always use the correct spelling of drunkenness to avoid confusion and maintain a professional tone in your writing.
More Examples Of Drunkenness & Drunkeness Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between “drunkenness” and “drunkeness,” let’s take a look at some examples of how these words are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using “Drunkenness” In A Sentence:
- His drunkenness at the party was embarrassing.
- The police officer arrested the man for public drunkenness.
- Her drunkenness led to her saying things she regretted the next day.
- He was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
- The signs of drunkenness were obvious to everyone in the room.
- The effects of his drunkenness were apparent in his slurred speech and unsteady gait.
- She was fired from her job due to her chronic drunkenness.
- His drunkenness was a clear violation of company policy.
- The bartender refused to serve him due to his obvious drunkenness.
- The dangers of drunkenness are well-known and documented.
Examples Of Using “Drunkeness” In A Sentence:
- The drunkeness of the partygoers was evident in the empty bottles and cans strewn about.
- Her chronic drunkeness had taken a toll on her health and personal relationships.
- He was charged with disorderly conduct and drunkeness.
- The drunkeness of the driver was the cause of the accident.
- His drunkeness made it difficult for him to hold down a job.
- The dangers of chronic drunkeness cannot be overstated.
- She sought treatment for her chronic drunkeness at a rehabilitation center.
- The effects of his chronic drunkeness were evident in his physical appearance and behavior.
- The prevalence of drunkeness among college students is a growing concern.
- Her drunkeness had caused irreparable damage to her marriage.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words drunkenness and drunkeness, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and why they are incorrect:
Using Drunkenness When You Mean Drunkeness
One common mistake people make is using drunkenness when they actually mean drunkeness. Drunkenness refers to the state of being drunk or intoxicated, while drunkeness is not a word. If you use drunkeness, you are likely misspelling drunkenness and using a non-existent word.
Using Drunkeness When You Mean Drunkenness
Another common mistake is using drunkeness instead of drunkenness. This mistake is often made due to confusion between the suffixes -ness and -ess. The correct suffix to use with the word drunk is -ness, not -ess. If you use drunkeness, you are using an incorrect spelling of the word drunkenness.
Using Drunkenness When Another Word Is More Appropriate
Finally, some people use drunkenness when another word would be more appropriate. For example, if you want to describe someone who is habitually drunk, the word you should use is alcoholism, not drunkenness. Similarly, if you want to describe someone who is currently drunk, you could use the word intoxicated instead of drunkenness. Using drunkenness in these situations would be incorrect and could lead to confusion.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Double-check your spelling before using the word drunkenness.
- Remember that drunkeness is not a word.
- If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
- Consider using a different word if drunkenness is not the most appropriate choice for your context.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words drunkenness and drunkeness can be a matter of context. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are certain situations where one may be more appropriate than the other. Understanding the nuances of each word can help ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between drunkenness and drunkeness might change:
| Context | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|
| Legal documents | drunkenness |
| Informal conversations | drunkeness |
| Academic writing | drunkenness |
| Medical reports | drunkenness |
When it comes to legal documents and medical reports, the word drunkenness is often preferred. This is because it is a more formal word that is commonly used in these types of contexts. In academic writing, drunkenness may also be more appropriate, depending on the tone and style of the piece.
On the other hand, when having an informal conversation with friends or family, the word drunkeness may be more appropriate. This is because it is a more casual word that is commonly used in everyday speech.
It’s important to note that the context in which these words are used can vary depending on the situation. For example, if you are writing a blog post about the effects of alcohol on the body, you may choose to use the word drunkenness to maintain a more professional tone, even though it is not a legal or medical document.
Ultimately, the choice between drunkenness and drunkeness comes down to understanding the context in which they are being used and choosing the most appropriate word for the situation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using drunkenness and drunkeness are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
Regional Differences
Depending on the region or country, the spelling of drunkenness and drunkeness may vary. For example, in British English, drunkenness is the preferred spelling, while in American English, drunkenness and drunkeness are both acceptable. Therefore, it’s important to consider the context and audience before deciding which spelling to use.
Historical Context
In some cases, the historical context of a text might influence the choice of spelling. For instance, if you’re writing a historical novel set in the 18th century, using the spelling drunkeness might be more appropriate since that was the preferred spelling at the time.
Intended Tone
The intended tone of a text can also play a role in the choice of spelling. For example, if you’re writing a humorous piece about a drunken night out with friends, using the spelling drunkeness might add to the lighthearted tone of the piece. On the other hand, if you’re writing a serious article about the dangers of alcohol abuse, using the spelling drunkenness might be more appropriate.
Contextual Clarity
Finally, the context of a sentence or passage might require the use of one spelling over the other. For instance, if you’re discussing the legal consequences of public drunkenness, using the spelling drunkenness would be more appropriate since it’s the legal term used to describe the offense. Similarly, if you’re describing someone’s state of mind after drinking, using the spelling drunkeness might be more appropriate since it emphasizes the subjective experience of being drunk.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of drunkenness and drunkeness in sentences can be a challenging task, but with practice exercises, you can enhance your skills. Below are some practice exercises that can help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either drunkenness or drunkeness:
- His ____________ was evident when he stumbled out of the bar.
- The police officer arrested the man for public ____________.
- The ____________ of the partygoers was alarming to the neighbors.
- After drinking too much, he experienced a feeling of ____________.
Answer key:
- drunkenness
- drunkenness
- drunkeness
- drunkenness
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage
Identify the correct usage of drunkenness or drunkeness in the following sentences:
| Sentence | Correct usage |
|---|---|
| He was arrested for public ____________. | drunkenness |
| The ____________ of the party was evident by the empty bottles scattered around the room. | drunkeness |
| After drinking too much, he experienced a feeling of ____________. | drunkenness |
| The ____________ of the driver was the cause of the accident. | drunkeness |
Explanation: In the first sentence, the correct usage is drunkenness because it refers to the state of being drunk in public. In the second sentence, the correct usage is drunkeness because it refers to the behavior or actions of the party. In the third sentence, the correct usage is drunkenness because it refers to the feeling of being drunk. In the fourth sentence, the correct usage is drunkeness because it refers to the behavior or actions of the driver.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of drunkenness and drunkeness in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of the words to use them correctly.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “drunkenness” and “drunkeness,” it is clear that the former is the correct spelling. The additional “e” in “drunkeness” is a common mistake, but it is important to use proper grammar and spelling in all forms of communication.
One key takeaway from this article is the importance of paying attention to the details of language use. While it may seem like a small error, misspelling a word can have a big impact on how your message is received.
Another takeaway is the value of continuing to learn and improve your language skills. English is a complex language with many rules and exceptions, but taking the time to study and practice can make a significant difference in your writing and communication abilities.
Overall, it is important to strive for accuracy and clarity in all forms of communication. By paying attention to the details and continuing to learn and grow, you can improve your language skills and effectively convey your message to others.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.