busy playing

USAGE SUMMARY

"busy playing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is currently engaged in an activity, usually with the implication of some degree of enjoyment. For example: "The children were busy playing in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're busy playing videogames.

Independent

They are busy playing the game.

The New York Times - Sports

After busy working, we're then busy playing with kids.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He was too busy playing arcade games with his dad.

The Washington Post

Ms. Rivera keeps her mind busy playing computer games and burning CDs of salsa music.

The New York Times

They are too busy playing soccer for their clubs in Europe.

The New York Times - Sports

He's obviously still a little bit busy playing Raonic, as it's now 24-23 Tsonga.

The New York Times

Children were busy playing handball in a small gymnasium on the first floor.

The New York Times

Everyone is too busy playing games to care what time a sitcom is on TV.

The New York Times

With all the progress being made on television, the film industry is busy playing catch-up.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Robbins will be busy--playing on offense as a slot back and on defensive as a back.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "busy playing" to indicate that someone is actively engaged in a recreational or leisure activity, often to the exclusion of other tasks or responsibilities.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "busy playing" in formal writing, as it can sound too casual. Opt for alternatives like "actively participating in" or "engaged in" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "busy playing" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action that someone is currently engaged in. Ludwig shows examples of it in various contexts, mainly describing recreational activities or leisure pursuits. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

11%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "busy playing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone actively engaged in a recreational activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for general use, though it may be less suitable for highly formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its versatility allows it to fit in various scenarios. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the nuance you want to convey, such as the level of absorption or formality required. By keeping these points in mind, you can use "busy playing" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupied with playing

Replaces "busy" with "occupied", emphasizing the state of being engaged.

engaged in playing

Uses "engaged" to highlight active participation.

involved in playing

Suggests a deeper level of participation than just being busy.

preoccupied with playing

Implies that playing is taking up most of one's thoughts or time.

caught up in playing

Indicates that someone is deeply absorbed in the activity.

immersed in playing

Suggests a complete absorption in the activity.

absorbed in playing

Similar to immersed, but slightly less intense.

actively playing

Highlights the active nature of the playing.

devoted to playing

Implies a strong dedication or focus on playing.

consumed by playing

Suggests that playing is dominating one's time and energy.

FAQs

How can I use "busy playing" in a sentence?

You can use "busy playing" to describe someone who is actively engaged in a recreational activity. For instance, "The children were "busy playing" in the park."

What are some alternatives to "busy playing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "occupied with playing", "engaged in playing", or "involved in playing".

Is it appropriate to use "busy playing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "busy playing" may sound too casual for formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "actively participating" or "engaged in" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says they are "busy playing"?

It typically means they are currently engaged in a recreational or leisure activity and may not be available for other tasks. The level of engagement can range from casual to deeply absorbed.