I was busy with tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was busy with tasks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where you were occupied with various activities or responsibilities. Example: "I couldn't attend the meeting yesterday because I was busy with tasks that needed my immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was busy with that when the other blasts occurred".

Independent

I was busy with school stuff.

The New York Times

And I was busy with my work.

The Guardian

I was busy with my kids.

The New York Times

You're coming to MIT! You've probably been busy with tasks like making travel plans, picking out things for your dorm room, and buying a new computer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'm busy with work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This year, I'm busy with my singing.

The Guardian - Books

I'm busy with my own life.

The Guardian

So I'm busy with that.

The New Yorker

(Y^{m,n}_{t}) is a boolean function indicating whether node n is busy with task m in time slot t.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Some guessed that she was busy with other tasks, some that Heavenly Father wouldn't want her name profaned, rendering her too sacred to talk about.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I was busy with tasks", ensure the context clarifies the nature and importance of those tasks. This provides a clearer understanding of your priorities and limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "I was busy with tasks" as a generic excuse without specifying the tasks. Providing some detail, even briefly, adds credibility and avoids the impression of being evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was busy with tasks" functions as a statement of explanation or justification. It indicates the reason for a lack of availability or a delay in responding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and serves to provide context regarding one's activities.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Academia

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Less common in

Formal & Business

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "I was busy with tasks" benefits from added context to clarify the nature of those tasks. According to Ludwig AI, it serves as an explanation for unavailability or delay, and while the register is generally neutral, providing specifics enhances professionalism. Given the absence of exact matches in Ludwig's examples, it's recommended to elaborate on the types of tasks to avoid vagueness and improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was occupied with duties

Focus shifts to responsibilities rather than specific "tasks".

I was engaged in activities

Replaces "busy with tasks" with a more general term.

I was involved in projects

More specific, suggesting involvement in structured endeavors.

I was tied up with work

Implies being constrained or unable to do other things due to work.

I was immersed in assignments

Suggests deep focus and concentration on assigned work.

My hands were full with obligations

Uses a metaphor to convey being burdened with responsibilities.

I was preoccupied with matters

Highlights mental absorption in certain issues or concerns.

I devoted my time to endeavors

Emphasizes dedication and commitment of time to specific pursuits.

I attended to various responsibilities

Focuses on the act of taking care of or managing different duties.

I was consumed by commitments

Implies being overwhelmed or entirely taken over by obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "I was busy with tasks" in a sentence?

You can use "I was busy with tasks" to explain why you couldn't attend a meeting, missed a deadline, or were unable to respond promptly. For example, "I couldn't reply to your email sooner because I was busy with tasks related to the project launch."

What are some alternatives to "I was busy with tasks"?

You can use alternatives like "I was occupied with duties", "I was engaged in activities", or "I was involved in projects" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific about the tasks I was busy with?

Yes, being specific is often preferable. Instead of "I was busy with tasks", try "I was busy preparing the presentation" or "I was busy resolving the technical issues". Specificity adds clarity and demonstrates accountability.

When is it appropriate to use "I was busy with tasks" in professional communication?

It's appropriate when you need to explain a delay or absence, but always aim for transparency. If possible, briefly mention the type of tasks to provide context and avoid sounding dismissive.