busy with activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'busy with activity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that is involved in a lot of activity. For example: "The town square was bustling with activity, people coming and going in all directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

On Twitter janmoir – which appears to be a spoof account created today – and #janmoir are busy with activity.

The Guardian

The quiet central Pittsburgh neighborhood of Squirrel Hill — home to one of the most concentrated Jewish communities in the country — is usually busy with activity on the weekend.

The Washington Post

Children were playing on the streets nearby, and the neighborhood was busy with activity, making it all the more amazing no one on the ground was hurt, she said.

The New York Times

At around 11 a.m. on El Vago Street, five hours after agents arrived on scene, the house was still busy with activity as personnel came and went from the property.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Perhaps more important, it's a lot of time" out of the weekend, a period when children are busy with activities.

The New York Times

Busy with activities as kids and then on meal plans in college, many in their peer group made enough money to eat out all the time.

The Washington Post

Well-wishers have sent prayers and help, and aid workers are busy with activities.

Huffington Post

Most of the villagers did not go because they were busy with activities such as building shelter".

Conflict and Health

(wrecks, jail, etc) Keep them busy with activities like sports or babysitting.

WikiHow

Being busy with activities you genuinely enjoy will always help you to feel better.

WikiHow

He was too busy with the activity that had replaced tennis: Internet poker.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "busy with activity", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of activity is occupying the subject, providing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "busy with activity" as a vague placeholder. Specify the activities involved to give the reader a more concrete understanding. For example, instead of saying "The office was busy with activity", specify "The office was busy with meetings, phone calls, and project deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "busy with activity" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of being occupied or engaged in various actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "busy with activity" is a grammatically correct, though relatively rare, phrase used to describe a state of being actively engaged in various tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase, though specifying the activities involved often provides greater clarity. While generally neutral, it carries a slightly more formal tone. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources. Alternatives like "occupied with tasks" or "engaged in pursuits" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupied with tasks

This alternative emphasizes the tasks occupying someone's time, shifting the focus from general activity to specific duties.

engaged in pursuits

This phrase suggests a more deliberate and purposeful involvement in various activities, highlighting the individual's active participation.

involved in undertakings

This alternative presents a formal tone, focusing on participation in projects or tasks.

caught up in endeavors

This suggests being deeply engrossed in specific projects, implying a level of immersion.

preoccupied with affairs

This indicates being absorbed in matters of business or personal concerns.

absorbed in occupations

Focuses on the act of being completely engrossed with different job or tasks.

active with assignments

Emphasizes the fulfillment of particular duties or responsibilities, rather than a general state of business.

taken up with commitments

Emphasizes previous agreements or responsibilities as the reason of being engaged.

full of things to do

This phrase uses a simpler and more direct way to convey that someone has many activities on their plate.

tied up with business

This alternative evokes the feeling of being constrained or occupied due to professional or personal affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "busy with activity" in a sentence?

You can use "busy with activity" to describe a person or place that is actively engaged in various tasks. For example, "The market was busy with activity as vendors set up their stalls".

What are some alternatives to "busy with activity"?

Some alternatives include "occupied with tasks", "engaged in pursuits", or "involved in undertakings" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to specify the activities instead of saying "busy with activity"?

Specifying the activities provides more clarity and detail, making your writing more impactful. However, "busy with activity" can be useful as a general descriptor when the specific activities are either numerous or unimportant to detail.

What is the register of "busy with activity"?

The phrase "busy with activity" is generally neutral in register and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news reports to informal descriptions. However, it can sound slightly formal compared to simpler alternatives like "busy" or "active".