being really busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being really busy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of having a lot of tasks or responsibilities that occupy one's time. Example: "I apologize for not responding sooner; I've been really busy with work and personal commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's about going from being a normal person with normal relationships to being really busy; it happens to a lot of artists.

The Guardian - Music

InstallMonetizer actually launched two years ago, and it was part of the winter 2012 class at Y Combinator, but it hasn't sought out any attention from the tech press until now — something that Mundy attributed to just being really busy.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm really busy.

The New Yorker

It's really busy".

The New York Times - Sports

"Sir, we're really busy.

The New York Times

My life is really busy.

Harvard Business Review

Maybe I was really busy.

The Washington Post

'It was really busy last year.

The Guardian

Suddenly, I was really busy.

The New York Times

"It has been really busy.

The New York Times

But I'm really busy right now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "being really busy", ensure the context is clear. Specify the cause of busyness to provide a more informative statement for your audience.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "really" as an intensifier. While grammatically correct, it can sound repetitive. Consider using stronger verbs or adverbs to convey the same meaning more concisely. For instance, instead of "being really busy", try "being swamped" or "having a hectic schedule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being really busy" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating that the subject is experiencing a high level of activity or engagement. This aligns with Ludwig's affirmation of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being really busy" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe a state of high activity. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage, and while it appears most frequently in News & Media, it is applicable in other areas as well. While "really" is deemed correct, consider stronger synonyms to be more impactful based on the overall context. The examples provided by Ludwig show its broad applicability, making it a versatile phrase in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a hectic schedule

Highlights the fast-paced nature of one's busyness.

being extremely occupied

Replaces "really busy" with a more formal synonym.

being swamped with work

Emphasizes that busyness is due to a large workload.

having too many commitments

Focuses on the multiple obligations causing busyness.

juggling multiple responsibilities

Highlights the act of managing several tasks concurrently.

having a lot on one's plate

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a similar meaning.

being snowed under

Uses a weather metaphor to describe being overwhelmed.

being tied up

Suggests that one's time is fully committed.

being up to one's ears in work

Uses an idiomatic expression for being overwhelmed with tasks.

being in high demand

Suggests that one's busyness is due to others seeking their time or services.

FAQs

How can I use "being really busy" in a sentence?

You can use "being really busy" to describe a state of having many tasks or responsibilities. For example, "I apologize for the delay; I've "been really busy" with work lately".

What can I say instead of "being really busy"?

You can use alternatives like "having a hectic schedule", "extremely occupied", or "swamped with work" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I am busy" or "I am really busy"?

Both are correct, but "I am really busy" emphasizes the degree of busyness. "I am busy" is generally sufficient unless you want to highlight the intensity of your workload.

What's the difference between "being busy" and "being really busy"?

"Being busy" is a general statement about having tasks to do, while "being really busy" indicates a higher level of activity and less available time. The addition of "really" intensifies the meaning.