a busy schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

"a busy schedule" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person's packed or full schedule of activities, tasks, or appointments. Example: Despite having a busy schedule, she always finds time to volunteer at the local shelter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Antsy keeps a busy schedule.

The New York Times

In short, a busy schedule.

The New Yorker

He blamed a busy schedule.

The Guardian - Tech

A busy schedule is no excuse.

Harvard Business Review

Congress Returns to a Busy Schedule.

The New York Times

Politics|Congress Returns to a Busy Schedule.

The New York Times

Davis will still have a busy schedule in Vancouver.

The New York Times - Sports

A busy schedule is the culprit, her spokeswoman said yesterday.

The New York Times

It's a busy schedule going into the Masters.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Rogers kept a busy schedule outside the Neighborhood.

The New York Times - Arts

Nevertheless, Mahfouz maintained a busy schedule well into his 90s.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a busy schedule", ensure the context clearly explains the nature of the busyness. Specify whether it relates to work, personal life, or a combination of both for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a busy schedule" as a generic excuse for neglecting commitments or responsibilities. Instead, offer specific reasons or propose alternative solutions to demonstrate accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a busy schedule" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state of being occupied with numerous activities or appointments. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as explaining why someone declines an interview or why something is delayed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a busy schedule" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a time filled with many activities. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, but also appears in wiki entries and formal business contexts. When writing, remember to provide context to the busyness to ensure clear understanding and to avoid overusing it as a generic excuse. Consider alternatives like ""a packed agenda"" or ""competing priorities"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a packed agenda

Emphasizes the fullness of the schedule, implying little to no free time.

a full calendar

Highlights the number of appointments and events filling the schedule.

a demanding workload

Focuses on the amount of work and effort required, implying a schedule filled with tasks.

a hectic routine

Suggests a frenzied and chaotic schedule, often implying stress.

a tight timetable

Indicates a schedule with limited time for each activity.

a rigorous program

Implies a structured and demanding schedule, especially in an educational or training context.

a full plate

An idiomatic expression indicating a schedule filled with many responsibilities and tasks.

heavy commitments

Emphasizes the significant obligations and responsibilities that fill the schedule.

multiple engagements

Highlights the numerous appointments and social events filling the schedule.

constant activity

Implies an ongoing state of being busy and engaged in various tasks.

FAQs

How can I politely decline an invitation due to "a busy schedule"?

Acknowledge the invitation and express regret for not being able to attend due to a busy schedule. You could say something like, "Thank you for the invitation! I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it due to "a packed agenda". I hope you have a wonderful time!"

What are some professional ways to communicate that I have "a busy schedule"?

In professional settings, use phrases like "due to current commitments" or "competing priorities" instead of simply stating "a busy schedule". For example, "Due to "competing priorities", I won't be able to attend the meeting, but I will review the minutes afterwards."

Which is better, "a busy schedule" or "a hectic schedule"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A busy schedule" simply indicates a lot of activities. "A hectic schedule", however, suggests that the schedule is not only full but also chaotic and stressful. Use "a hectic schedule" when you want to convey a sense of being overwhelmed.

What are some alternatives to saying "I have a busy schedule" when rescheduling?

Instead of saying "I have a busy schedule", try alternatives such as "My availability is limited in the coming weeks", "I'm currently managing several projects", or "My calendar is quite full at the moment". This conveys that you're occupied without simply stating you have "a busy schedule".