busy setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "busy setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is actively engaged in the process of establishing or arranging something. Example: "I can't talk right now; I'm busy setting up the conference room for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And by the time her husband was named vice premier, in 1998, she was busy setting up business ventures with friends and relatives.

The New York Times

Instead he quickly whisks Tarpin off to jail, and leaps five years ahead to 2005, when we find Beard busy setting up a business that will supposedly make electricity out of sunlight.

The New York Times - Books

Since finishing Masterchef, Tony has been busy setting up a private catering business, cooking dinner parties for clients in their own homes.

The Guardian

In response, airlines have been busy setting up voluntary carbon-offsetting programs.

The New York Times - Travel

Of course, he may be too busy setting off stinkbombs in the school bathroom to listen.

The Washington Post

Birds, who are beginning to sing new songs, are busy setting up housekeeping.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Hardern is now busy setting up a free internet service provider called doddle.net.net

The Guardian - Tech

Clark is busy setting up for a first-communion party in their dining room.

The New York Times

"In clean energy, China is busy setting themselves up as a world leader.

The Guardian

Because before, today's 30-year-old revolutionaries were too busy setting up their lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Someone with autism might have a great idea, but no clue how to voice it in a busy setting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "busy setting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being prepared, arranged, or established. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "busy setting" without specifying what is being set. For example, instead of "She was busy setting", say "She was "busy setting" the table" or "She was "busy setting" up the presentation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "busy setting" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb construction to indicate an ongoing action. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the state of being actively engaged in the process of arranging or preparing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "busy setting" is a versatile and grammatically sound gerund phrase, widely used to describe an ongoing activity of arranging, preparing, or establishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its acceptability extends across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business communications. Its communicative power lies in conveying active involvement in a task, implying purpose and anticipation. While generally neutral in register, clarity is key; specifying the object of "setting" ensures effective communication. Considering alternatives like "actively preparing" or "engaged in preparing" can enhance precision based on the nuances desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused on setting up

Similar meaning, but uses the phrasal verb "setting up" instead of the gerund "setting".

engaged in preparing

Emphasizes involvement and participation in the preparation process.

occupied with arranging

Highlights the state of being busy with the task of arranging.

in the process of establishing

Highlights the ongoing nature of establishing something.

actively preparing

Emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of the preparation.

involved in establishing

Emphasizes participation and connection to the act of establishing.

diligently arranging

Highlights the careful and thorough manner of arranging.

hard at work preparing

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in preparing.

assiduously establishing

Focuses on the dedication and effort put into establishing something.

concentrated on arranging

Focuses on the focused attention given to the task of arranging.

FAQs

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

You can use "busy setting" to describe someone actively preparing or arranging something. For example, "The crew was "busy setting" up the stage for the concert."

What are some alternatives to "busy setting"?

Alternatives include "actively preparing", "diligently arranging", or "engaged in preparing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "busy setting up" instead of "busy setting"?

Both are correct, but "busy setting up" is more common when referring to establishing or arranging something complex. "Busy setting" can be used more broadly. Also, consider alternatives like "focused on setting up".

What is the difference between "busy setting" and "busy preparing"?

"Busy setting" often implies arranging or establishing something, while "busy preparing" is a more general term for getting ready. They are often interchangeable, but "busy setting" adds the nuance of placement or configuration, or eventual "actively preparing".