a full diary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a full diary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a calendar that has many scheduled activities and appointments. For example: "I'm sorry I can't meet up with you tonight, I have a full diary this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Kept occupied by his own business and a full diary of committee work, he made only brief appearances to check on the press.

The Economist

Both prime ministers have a full diary after July 15th Mr Blair at a G8 meeting and Mr Ahern on a trip to South America.

The Economist

"I've got a full diary of mayoral duties today and for the next six months".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I know that I have a very full diary as first minister next Thursday," the DUP leader said.

BBC

The preparation starts months ahead, from booking hotels, flights and festival accreditations, culminating in the rush to cram films and meetings into an already full diary.

The Guardian - Film

Helena pretends to have a full social diary, but is practically a recluse: another elderly, unfriended person.

The Guardian - Books

It would be heresy to suggest it but if you needed more proof then Gilly Lynne, choreographer of Cats and Phantom of the Opera – and possessed of a full work diary for 2014, should certainly provide it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's getting me right for my tour next year: he's currently got me on drinks with spinach and I'm keeping a full food diary so he can say 'Stop eating crisps completely', 'Try carrot this week' or 'Record the colour of your stools'.

The Guardian

Bousman and his co-writer Clint Sears started churning out pages of cult mythos and leaving clues, even dropping a full character diary in a Los Angeles public library for fans to discover.

Los Angeles Times

The main harm anticipated from steam inhalation was mild scalding: this was reported by four of the 207 (2%) patients in the steam group who provided usable symptom data from the full diary, but this was not severe enough to require a consultation.

British Medical Journal

Here's the full diary for the day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's schedule, consider specifying the nature of the diary's contents to provide a clearer picture. For example, "a diary full of meetings" versus "a diary full of social events".

Common error

While "a full diary" is perfectly acceptable, varying your language can make your writing more engaging. Instead of repeatedly stating someone has "a full diary", try alternatives like "a packed schedule" or "a busy agenda" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a full diary" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples show it describing someone's schedule being occupied.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a full diary" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express that someone's schedule is very busy and occupied with many appointments or engagements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it is relatively rare in occurrence, it is readily understood across various contexts, especially in news and media. Consider varying your phrasing with alternatives like "a packed schedule" or "a busy agenda" to enrich your writing. As the examples demonstrate, the phrase effectively communicates limited availability and a high level of scheduled activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a packed schedule

This alternative focuses on the schedule itself being heavily loaded with activities.

a busy agenda

This alternative emphasizes the list of items to be addressed being full.

a tight calendar

This alternative highlights limited availability and little free time.

a schedule full of appointments

This option specifically mentions the type of entries filling the diary.

a day booked solid

This option indicates that the day has no free slots.

completely booked

This shorter option means there are no appointment slots available.

having many commitments

This option highlights dedication to multiple activities.

swamped with engagements

This alternative indicates being overwhelmed by planned events.

overbooked

This option indicates there has been double-booking of time slots.

up to one's ears in work

This option indicates you have a lot of tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "a full diary" in a sentence?

You can use "a full diary" to describe someone who has many appointments, meetings, or other commitments scheduled. For example, "The CEO has "a full diary" this week, so it's difficult to get a meeting with her."

What does it mean to have "a full diary"?

Having "a full diary" means that your schedule is already filled with many appointments, meetings, or other commitments, leaving little to no free time.

Which is more common, "a full diary" or "a busy schedule"?

While both phrases are used to describe a situation with many commitments, "a busy schedule" might be slightly more common in general conversation. However, "a full diary" emphasizes a planned, itemized list of engagements.

What can I say instead of "a full diary" to sound more formal?

In a more formal context, you could use alternatives such as "a packed schedule" or "many commitments" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.