are too busy to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are too busy to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has insufficient time to engage in a particular activity or task. Example: "I would love to join you for dinner, but I are too busy to make it tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You are too busy to think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are too busy to be needy.

The Guardian

They are too busy to decide.

The New York Times - Arts

They explain what doctors are too busy to clarify.

The Washington Post

"If people are working, they are too busy to fight".

The New York Times

Artists are too busy to keep art in motion.

The New York Times - Books

They are "too busy" to help their children learn to talk, it was suggested.

Independent

"The companies are too busy to deal with this kind of thing.

Independent

I think we have proved that mothers are too busy to have fun.

The Guardian - Film

Marketers commonly complain that salespeople are too busy to share their experiences, ideas, and insights.

Harvard Business Review

Your customers are too busy to plan, shop for, and cook healthy meals.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are too busy to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is busy and what they lack the time for. Clarity enhances communication and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are too busy to" as a blanket excuse. Instead, offer a specific reason or alternative solution to demonstrate respect and consideration for the request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are too busy to" functions as a declarative statement indicating someone's inability to perform an action due to a lack of available time. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates insufficient time to engage in a particular activity or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are too busy to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of time or availability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When employing this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation and provide context or alternatives to maintain positive communication. Remember, clarity, specificity, and respect are paramount when explaining that you "are too busy to" fulfill a request or obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not have time to

A straightforward expression of not having enough time.

lack the time to

Emphasizes the absence of sufficient time.

haven't got the time to

An informal expression of not having enough time.

cannot make time to

Highlights the inability to schedule or create time.

are tied up and unable to

Suggests a commitment that prevents availability.

are occupied and unable to

Focuses on being engaged in other activities that prevent action.

cannot spare the time to

Implies that the time investment is not justifiable.

are swamped and can't

Implies being overwhelmed with tasks, hindering ability.

are preoccupied to

Indicates that one's mind is engaged elsewhere.

are unavailable to

Simply states a lack of availability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are too busy to" in a more formal way?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "lack the time to" or "do not have time to" in professional contexts.

What does it mean when someone says they "are too busy to" do something?

It typically means they don't have enough time available due to other commitments or priorities. It implies that they are unable to dedicate the necessary time or effort to the task at hand.

Is it rude to tell someone you "are too busy to" help them?

It depends on the context. While it's direct, it can be perceived as impolite if not accompanied by an explanation or alternative suggestion. Consider offering assistance in the future or recommending someone else who might be available.

What's the difference between "are too busy to" and "cannot make time to"?

While similar, "are too busy to" suggests a general lack of time, while "cannot make time to" implies a conscious decision not to prioritize the task due to other commitments.