already occupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already occupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a space, position, or resource is currently in use or taken. Example: "I wanted to sit at that table, but it was already occupied by another group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Several are already occupied.

The New York Times

Wall Street is already occupied — from within.

The New York Times

About 40 are already occupied.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the room was already occupied.

The New York Times

She was led to a 3rd floor room already occupied.

The New Yorker

They say Jamaica High is already occupied by three small schools that are doing better.

The New York Times

And then, finally, the space station, already occupied for a decade, will be complete.

The New York Times - Science

By 2pm, the steps were already occupied by chanting protesters, whose numbers steadily grew.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said what little modern office space exists in the Bronx is already occupied.

The New York Times

You can also pick up inexpensive portable chargers if your car socket is already occupied.

The Guardian

Indigenous groups claiming lands already occupied could be compensated in other ways instead.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate or accommodations, use "already occupied" to clearly indicate a space is currently inhabited or in use. This avoids ambiguity and informs readers of its availability.

Common error

Avoid using "already occupied" when you simply mean "busy" or "engaged". While similar, "already occupied" refers specifically to physical or abstract spaces that are taken, not someone's time or attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already occupied" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that a particular space, position, or resource is currently in use. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already occupied" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something currently in use. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its prevalence across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To enhance your writing, consider the best practices outlined above and avoid the common error of using it interchangeably with "busy". For alternatives, phrases like "currently in use" or "already taken" can be employed based on the context. This guide should assist in effectively incorporating "already occupied" into your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently in use

Emphasizes the present state of being used, offering a direct synonym.

already taken

Focuses on the fact that something has been claimed or reserved.

presently utilized

Highlights the current usage and activity, adding a formal tone.

under current use

Highlights the state of something being actively used now.

currently held

Implies possession or control in the present moment.

being utilized

Highlights the action of using something in the present.

previously claimed

Indicates that something was taken earlier and continues to be.

not available

Directly states that something is not accessible or free for use.

in present possession

Emphasizes the current ownership or holding of something.

at capacity

Implies that the space or resource is full and cannot accommodate more.

FAQs

How to use "already occupied" in a sentence?

You can use "already occupied" to describe a space or resource that is currently in use. For example, "The seat was "already occupied" when I arrived" or "The position is "already occupied"".

What can I say instead of "already occupied"?

You can use alternatives like "currently in use", "already taken", or "at capacity", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "already occupied" or "currently occupying"?

"Already occupied" describes a state of being, while "currently occupying" describes an action. "The room is "already occupied"" is correct if you mean someone is currently in the room. "Someone is currently occupying the room" is also correct, but uses a different structure.

What's the difference between "already occupied" and "previously occupied"?

"Already occupied" means something is occupied at the present time. "Previously occupied" means something was occupied in the past but may not be currently. For example, "The apartment was "already occupied" when we viewed it", versus "The apartment was "previously occupied" by a musician".