be very busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being occupied or engaged in numerous tasks or activities. Example: "I apologize for not responding sooner; I've been very busy with work and personal commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Learmond said some businesses would be very busy over the Christmas period, working at full tilt and coping with temporary staff.

BBC

Weekends can be very busy.

The New York Times

You must be very busy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's going to be very busy during 2012".

The New York Times

"I expect us to be very busy," Mr. Duffy said.

The New York Times

"I'm sure to be very busy," she said.

The New York Times

"They're going to be very busy," she says.

The New York Times

Marseille will also be very busy, with four group games, a quarter-final and semi-final.

Independent

FGW had warned that trains will be very busy and that travellers should expect disruption.

Independent

"In the meantime, the terrorists are going to be very busy.

The New York Times

People come down for holiday weekends, which can be very busy during wintertime as well".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be very busy", consider adding a specific reason or example to provide more context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I'm going to be very busy" without providing any context. Instead, specify what you'll be busy with to give your audience a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very busy" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of the subject. It signifies that the subject is engaged in numerous activities or tasks. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be very busy" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone is occupied with numerous tasks or activities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears across various contexts, from news and media to informal conversations. While generally neutral, adding context to specify what you will "be very busy" with is crucial for clarity. Alternatives include "be extremely occupied" and "have a lot on one's plate". Understanding its usage and potential for ambiguity ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely occupied

Replaces "very" with "extremely" and "busy" with "occupied", intensifying the degree of being busy.

be swamped with work

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by a large amount of work.

be fully engaged

Focuses on the state of being completely involved and attentive.

be heavily involved

Shifts the focus to the level of involvement rather than just being busy.

be tied up with

Indicates that one's time is occupied with something.

be working flat out

Indicates working at maximum capacity.

have a lot on one's plate

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey being overwhelmed with tasks.

have a demanding schedule

Highlights the intensity and rigor of the schedule.

be up to one's ears in

An informal idiom indicating being deeply immersed in something.

be preoccupied

Suggests that one's mind is occupied with thoughts and concerns, possibly leading to being busy.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "be very busy"?

You can use alternatives like "be extremely occupied", "be heavily involved", or "have a lot on one's plate" depending on the context.

How to use "be very busy" in a sentence?

You can use "be very busy" to describe a state of being occupied or engaged in numerous tasks or activities. For example, "I will be very busy assessing whether my client's condition is suitable for home care".

Which is correct, "be very busy" or "being very busy"?

Both are correct but used in different contexts. "Be very busy" is often used in future tense or as an instruction, while "being very busy" describes a continuous state or activity. For example, "I will be very busy" vs "I am being very busy at the moment".

What's the difference between "be very busy" and "be quite occupied"?

"Be very busy" indicates a high level of activity and engagement, while "be quite occupied" suggests a moderate level of being busy. "Be very busy" emphasizes the intensity of the busyness more than "be quite occupied".