busy times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "busy times" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to periods when there is a lot of activity or work. Example: "During the holiday season, we often experience busy times at the store." Alternative expressions include "hectic periods," "active times," and "bustling moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

People always need a little extra help during such busy times.

WikiHow

Busy times!

The Guardian

These are busy times for Amos.

Independent

SOUND LEVEL -- Loud at busy times.

The New York Times

These are busy times for Mr. Burnett.

The New York Times

More frequent departures in busy times.

The New York Times - Travel

These are busy times for the Film Society.

The New York Times

These are busy times for the 44-year-old designer.

The New York Times

SERVICE -- Cordial, but seems understaffed and harried at busy times.

The New York Times

These are busy times, but the Weekly has them covered.

The Guardian

The format demands brevity and succinctness and is a godsend during busy times.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "busy times" in a professional context, provide specific examples or metrics to quantify the increased activity or workload. This adds credibility and clarity to your communication.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there are "busy times" without providing context or details. Explain what makes those times busy and how they impact operations or individuals. For example, instead of saying "We have busy times", specify "We experience busy times during the holiday season due to increased customer demand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "busy times" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As shown by Ludwig, it refers to periods characterized by high activity, workload, or demand, often within specific contexts or industries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "busy times" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe periods of high activity or demand. As Ludwig shows, it appears frequently in news, media, and general contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, provide specific context and details to enhance clarity, and consider alternatives like "hectic periods" or "peak seasons" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. You might also consider if "busier times" is more appropriate if you intend to state a comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hectic periods

Replaces "times" with "periods", suggesting a possibly more chaotic or intense busyness.

intense phases

Highlights the demanding nature of the period, implying a significant level of activity and focus.

peak seasons

Focuses specifically on times of highest demand, particularly relevant in business or tourism contexts.

bustling days

Emphasizes the lively and energetic atmosphere often present during these periods.

rush hours

Specifically refers to times of high traffic or activity, often in transportation or commerce.

eventful weeks

Highlights that significant events or activities occur during the period, making it memorable or noteworthy.

demanding schedules

Shifts the focus to the impact on personal planning and workload during these periods.

critical periods

Emphasizes the importance and potential sensitivity of the time, where actions and outcomes carry greater weight.

high-pressure moments

Draws attention to the stress and tension associated with these times, often involving decision-making or performance.

active intervals

Uses a more neutral and objective term, suitable for technical or descriptive contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "busy times" to refer to periods of high activity or workload. For example, "Retail stores often experience "busy times" during the holiday season" or "Hospitals face "busy times" during flu season".

What are some synonyms for "busy times"?

Some synonyms for "busy times" include "hectic periods", "peak seasons", and "rush hours". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "busier times" instead of "busy times"?

While "busier times" is grammatically correct, it implies a comparison to less busy times. "Busy times" is a more general term referring to periods that are characterized by high activity or demand. If you want to state a comparison, then use "busier times".

What's the difference between "busy times" and "busy schedule"?

"Busy times" refers to specific periods characterized by high activity or workload. A "busy schedule", on the other hand, refers to an individual's or organization's packed agenda of activities and commitments. For example, "During "busy times", I have a "busy schedule" filled with meetings and deadlines".