been very busy

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over all, our business has been very busy.

The New York Times

Tower cranes in Gdansk have been very busy on construction sites of new business parks.

Huffington Post

We've been very busy".

The New York Times

Our multifamily group has been very busy.

The New York Times

They have certainly been very busy building.

Independent

"It had been very busy".

The New York Times

Lately it has also been very busy.

The New York Times - Arts

"I've been very busy," Mr. Bai said.

The New York Times

You've obviously been very busy since the show ended.

The New York Times

"I told James I've been very busy," Irwin Gray said.

The New Yorker

After Trump's election, conference has been very busy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been very busy", consider adding context to clarify the specific activities occupying your time. For example, "I've been very busy with the new project rollout."

Common error

Avoid simply stating you've "been very busy" without providing any context or reason. This can come across as dismissive or vague. Add a brief explanation to show respect for the other person's time and demonstrate your commitment to clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been very busy" functions as a modifier, typically following a subject and auxiliary verb to describe a state of being actively engaged in numerous tasks or activities over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been very busy" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express a state of intense activity over a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While versatile, consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives in certain professional settings. To enhance clarity, it's often helpful to provide specific reasons for your busyness rather than simply stating the phrase. As per analysis of real-world examples, this phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been quite occupied

Replaces "very busy" with a more formal term, emphasizing the state of being engaged.

been extremely active

Focuses on the high level of activity, suggesting a dynamic state.

been swamped with work

Indicates being overwhelmed by a large volume of tasks.

been heavily involved

Highlights the degree of participation in various tasks or projects.

been hustling

Implies energetic and persistent effort, often in a business context.

had a lot on one's plate

An idiomatic expression indicating a large number of responsibilities.

been working tirelessly

Emphasizes the constant and energetic effort applied to tasks.

been running around

Suggests constant movement and activity, often in a hurried manner.

been up to one's ears

An informal idiom suggesting being overwhelmed with work or activities.

been grinding

Informal expression that means doing hard work for long hours.

FAQs

How can I use "been very busy" in a sentence?

You can use "been very busy" to describe a period of time where you had many tasks or activities. For example, "I haven't had time to relax; I've "been very busy" with work lately."

What are some alternatives to saying "been very busy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "been quite occupied", "had a lot on one's plate", or "been swamped with work".

Is it appropriate to use "been very busy" in formal communication?

While "been very busy" is understandable, more formal alternatives like "been quite occupied" or specifying the reason for your busyness might be more suitable in formal settings.

What's the difference between "been very busy" and "busy"?

"Been very busy" implies a sustained period of intense activity, while "busy" can simply describe a current state. Saying "I'm busy" indicates you're occupied at the moment, whereas "I've "been very busy"" suggests it has been ongoing.