Which type of alcohol is considered the most commonly consumed?

Ethyl alcohol, commonly referred to as ethanol, is the type of alcohol that people most frequently consume. It is the active ingredient found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. Ethanol is specifically produced during the fermentation process of sugars by yeast, making it both a natural product and one that is widely accepted and regulated for human consumption.

The other types of alcohol listed have different characteristics and uses. Methyl alcohol, or methanol, is primarily used as an industrial solvent and is toxic to humans when ingested. Isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol, is mostly used as a disinfectant or antiseptic and is also not safe for consumption. Butyl alcohol is utilized in various industrial applications, including as a solvent, but is not meant for human consumption either. In summary, the reason why ethyl alcohol is considered the most commonly consumed is due to its presence in all standard alcoholic beverages and its wide acceptance as safe for consumption within regulated limits.