busy with someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'busy with someone' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is occupied, and the specific task that they are preoccupied with. For example: John was so busy with someone that he didn't have time to talk to me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Can't Nana go?" "She's busy with someone".

The New Yorker

As viewers, Americans have mostly gotten used to the prissy but entirely sexless gay neighbor, the couple that seems gay only for comedic effect, or the young stud who always seems to head off-scene to get busy with someone.

The New York Times

We should be there, but we are busy with someone who doesn't need us". Staff say they also experience a lot of calls from people who are drunk.

BBC

In one Shanghai internet cafe, almost every one of the 100 or so terminals is busy with someone locked in intense online combat with a wide variety of foes; goblin, alien or human.

BBC

Katie Aselton debuts with The Freebie, about a perfectly content couple in Silverlake, Los Angeles who allow each other a one-night pass to get busy with someone else.

Huffington Post

Having respect for privacy, you know - sufficient peace, space if you are busy with someone, not being disturbed, listening to them, as well as giving them enough information.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

You don't need to always be busy or with someone.

Huffington Post

When she confronted me on it, I told her I was busy talking with someone else.

Huffington Post

Their emotions take over and they're busy fighting with someone when they were going to get a project done.

Vice

That person you're angry with for not remember what you said yesterday is probably busy being angry with someone else for not remembering what they said.

Forbes

He was always busy playing or talking with someone.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "busy with someone", specify the context or activity to provide clarity. For example, instead of simply saying "I am busy with someone", try "I am busy with a client meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "busy with someone" without providing context. This phrase can sound dismissive or unclear. Instead, specify why you're busy, such as "busy helping a colleague" or "busy assisting a customer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "busy with someone" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating that the subject is currently engaged or occupied with another person. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a correct and usable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "busy with someone" is a grammatically sound and reasonably common way to express that one is currently occupied with another person. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's versatile enough for neutral contexts like news and blogs, though specifying the context enhances clarity. While alternatives like "occupied with someone" exist for more formal situations, "busy with someone" remains a practical and understandable choice. When deployed, consider being more specific with the nature of your occupancy. "Busy with a client" is a better phrase than just "busy with someone".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupied with someone

Replaces "busy" with "occupied", offering a slightly more formal tone.

engaged with someone

Substitutes "busy" with "engaged", emphasizing interaction and involvement.

preoccupied with someone

Replaces "busy" with "preoccupied", suggesting deep focus or concern.

spending time with someone

Indicates an activity of devoting time to another person, rather than just being busy.

involved with someone

Suggests a close personal or professional connection and activity.

working with someone

Highlights a collaborative effort or task involvement.

attending to someone

Implies providing care or service to another individual.

dealing with someone

Indicates managing or handling interactions with a person, often in a professional context.

tied up with someone

Suggests being committed or restricted due to obligations with another person. This is more informal.

having an appointment with someone

Specifies a scheduled meeting or engagement with another person.

FAQs

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

You can use "busy with someone" to indicate that you are occupied with another person, such as "I can't talk right now, I'm "busy with someone"".

What's a more formal alternative to "busy with someone"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "occupied with someone" or "engaged with someone". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "busy with someone"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely understood. However, providing context can enhance clarity.

What's the difference between "busy with someone" and "busy with something"?

"Busy with someone" indicates that you are occupied with a person, while "busy with something" refers to being occupied with a task or activity. For example, "I'm busy with someone on the phone" versus "I'm busy with a project".