I had to drown my sorrows vs I drowned my sorrows

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I had to drown my sorrows' implies a sense of necessity or obligation to drown one's sorrows, while 'I drowned my sorrows' simply states the action of drowning sorrows without emphasizing any specific reason or obligation.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 960 views

I had to drown my sorrows

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express the idea of feeling compelled or obligated to drown one's sorrows.

This phrase is used when you want to convey that you felt a strong need or obligation to drown your sorrows in a particular situation.

Examples:

After the breakup, I had to drown my sorrows in a tub of ice cream.
I had to drown my sorrows in a bottle of wine after a long day at work.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 8, 2015 ... I had to drown my sorrows in taiyaki, which isn't too shabby a way of drowning, if you ask me! Hmm…maybe I should work on a cinnamon roll ...
Apr 13, 2015 ... I had to drown my sorrows over the Reds losing in a pint of Christian Moerlein ale in the Moerlein Lager House just over the road from Great ...
May 20, 1999 ... Drank tea most nights and I had hot chocolate on the first night (I had to drown my sorrows). I would guess less than 10 pounds worth of food ...
I had to drown my sorrows somehow. I don't know how I get myself into these situations. I packed a backup dress just in case. "I'll just be very good today and ...

Alternatives:

I felt the need to drown my sorrows
I found myself drowning my sorrows
I was compelled to drown my sorrows
I had no choice but to drown my sorrows
I couldn't help but drown my sorrows

I drowned my sorrows

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express the action of drowning one's sorrows without emphasizing any specific reason or obligation.

This phrase is used when you want to simply state that you engaged in the act of drowning your sorrows without highlighting any particular need or obligation.

Examples:

After the exam, I drowned my sorrows in a cup of coffee.
She drowned her sorrows in music after a tough day.

Show examples from the web [+]

I drowned my sorrows and slept around. When not in body at least in mind. Lyric Meaning. Drowning one's sorrows usually refers to drowning them in alcohol.
Khloe Kardashian's teenage rehab scare after her father's death: 'I drowned my sorrows'. By Yasmin Vought. Nov 9th, 2015. Getty. FShare TTweet BMail C.
Let's get out of this country. I'll admit I am bored with me. I drowned my sorrows and slept around. When not in body at least in mind. We'll find a cathedral city
Let's get out of this country. I'll admit I am bored with me. I drowned my sorrows and slept around. When not in body at least in mind. We'll find a cathedral city

Alternatives:

I indulged in drowning my sorrows
I immersed myself in drowning my sorrows
I sought solace in drowning my sorrows
I found comfort in drowning my sorrows
I turned to drowning my sorrows

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I had to drown my sorrows vs I drowned my sorrows