stay sober

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   To avoid drinking alcohol, or to keep from becoming drunk, during a certain time.

   Grammar: Verb stay changes form (stays, stayed) while sober stays the same: she stayed sober all night.

   Patterns

   • stay sober for something
   • stay sober at something

   I'm driving tonight, so I'll stay sober.

   He promised to stay sober at his sister's wedding.

   It is hard to stay sober when everyone around you is celebrating.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   To remain free from alcohol over a long period, especially after overcoming an addiction.

   Grammar: Often used in recovery contexts: he has managed to stay sober for two years.

   Patterns

   • stay sober for years

   With the support of her group, she has been able to stay sober for three years.

   Many people say a daily routine helps them stay sober.

Word forms

Common combinations

try to stay sober

I'll try to stay sober until the speeches are over.

manage to stay sober

He managed to stay sober through the whole holiday season.

stay sober for a year

She has stayed sober for a year now.

help someone stay sober

Her brother's call helped her stay sober that night.

stay sober behind the wheel

The designated driver must stay sober behind the wheel.

Synonyms and how they differ

abstain

Abstain is more formal and means to choose to do without drink entirely, while stay sober can be for one evening.

stay dry

Stay dry is informal and suggests living without alcohol over time, not just avoiding drunkenness.

keep a clear head

Keep a clear head is broader and about staying alert, not only avoiding alcohol.

Opposites

Word family

sober adjective

not drunk

sobriety noun

the state of being sober

sober up phrasal verb

to become sober after drinking

soberly adverb

in a serious, calm way

Commonly confused: stay sober or sober up?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “stay sober”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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