4 ms·
Among primary English speakers, “alcoholic” almost always refers to abusive drinking. I can’t imagine using “alcoholic” to describe people who consume alcohol
by Digory 5y ago
Among primary English speakers, “alcoholic” almost always refers to abusive drinking.
I can’t imagine using “alcoholic” to describe people who consume alcohol in moderation. And I am around a lot of teetotalers.
- dasil003 5y agoYes, but using the singular signals a non-native speaker, and this is reinforced by using "couldn't" rather than "haven't [been able to]" in the third sentence. I think GP is on to something.
- t-3 5y agoI think you're reading too much into it there. Plenty of native speakers have far worse grammar and more questionable usage choices, especially the ones that are young and drunk.
- uncletammy 5y agoThe sentence sounded weird to me too and I interpreted it as a non-native english speaker simply saying their friends drank alcohol but where not alcoholics. OP should probably clarify.
- ss108 5y agoIn the context of 23 year-olds, I think it's safe to say that none of them are actual alcoholics, just that they drink A LOT, as many people at that age do.
- makeset 5y agoHow is that safe to say? There are plenty of 23-year-old alcoholics, having lost control over their alcohol consumption, in full-blown physical and/or psychological addiction. You don't have to age into it, or take a test, or carry a card. It just happens to you.