a busy time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a busy time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing a time period that involves a lot of activity or work. Example sentence: Today was a busy time for me as I had to complete several projects before the end of the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a busy time until we get to the break".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a busy time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's a busy time for us".

The New York Times - Travel

"But it's a busy time of year".

The New York Times

It will be a busy time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has a busy time ahead.

The Guardian

They were a busy time for her.

The New York Times

It could be a busy time".

The Guardian - Sport

This is a busy time for Brand.

The Guardian

("Well, this is a busy time in heaven right now.

The New York Times - Books

It is a busy time for local youngsters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a busy time" to describe periods when numerous activities or tasks are concentrated, like "December is a busy time for retailers".

Common error

Avoid simply stating "It's a busy time" without providing context. Clarify why it's busy; for example, "It's a busy time due to the upcoming conference" provides more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a busy time" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its common usage in describing periods filled with activities or demands.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a busy time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a period filled with activities or demands. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its neutral register. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context to clarify why the period is busy. Related phrases include "a hectic period" and "a demanding phase", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. The phrase enjoys high source quality and expert rating due to its widespread usage and clear meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of intense activity

Emphasizes the high level of activity and energy expended.

a hectic period

Replaces "busy" with "hectic", emphasizing the chaotic nature of the time.

a time of great demand

Focuses on the high level of external requests and requirements.

a demanding phase

Focuses on the high demands and requirements during the specified period.

a season of pressing engagements

Highlights the urgency and importance of scheduled commitments.

a packed schedule

Highlights that the time is full of appointments and activities.

a time filled with responsibilities

Emphasizes the numerous duties and tasks to be managed.

a full plate

Idiomatic expression suggesting a lot of responsibilities to handle.

an active season

Indicates a time marked by a high level of activity and engagement.

a whirlwind

Implies a rapid succession of events and activities.

FAQs

How can I use "a busy time" in a sentence?

You can use "a busy time" to describe a period filled with activities or tasks, for example, "The end of the year is "a busy time" for accountants because of tax season".

What are some alternatives to saying "a busy time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a hectic period", "a demanding phase", or "a packed schedule", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a busy time of year"?

Yes, "a busy time of year" is perfectly acceptable and commonly used to refer to a specific part of the year that is particularly active, such as the holiday season.

What's the difference between "a busy time" and "a busy schedule"?

"A busy time" generally refers to a period, while "a busy schedule" refers to a list of planned activities or appointments. "A busy time" is more general, while "a busy schedule" is more specific.