exceedingly busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceedingly busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is extremely occupied or has a lot of tasks to complete. Example: "During the holiday season, I find myself exceedingly busy with work and family commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Tyler, the Creator has been exceedingly busy.

The Guardian - Music

The year 1922 was an exceedingly busy time in the institutional history of Princeton.

Princeton University

Those who work with the extremely rich say they, too, have been exceedingly busy, but for a different reason.

The New York Times

Currywurst €2.50 A fantastic and exceedingly busy Vietnamese fast food joint with lightning-quick service and fresh, tasty food.

The Guardian - Travel

And from what she recalls of her only son in those days, he kept her exceedingly busy.

The New York Times

For an exceedingly busy, physically imposing, and often abrasive authority figure, Botstein, who himself entered college as a "terribly insecure sixteen-year-old," is attuned to even the most ordinary forms of other people's pain.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Not only is she extremely busy being in very many television dramas, but also her characters always have exceedingly harrowing things happen to them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

THE CROWD Exceedingly noisy on a busy night; some children; efficient servers.

The New York Times

But as we await Volumes 2, 3 and 4 of his busy correspondence, it's exceedingly clear that, happily, he will go on.

The New York Times - Books

No matter how busy you are, it can feel exceedingly difficult to talk to your boss about your heavy workload.

Harvard Business Review

If this turns out to be true, the convention tomorrow will spend a busy day, which promises to be exceedingly trying on the wearied and disgruntled delegates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceedingly busy" to add a touch of formality or emphasis when describing someone's workload. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when highlighting a significant level of activity.

Common error

Avoid using "exceedingly busy" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "very busy" or "extremely busy" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceedingly busy" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a high degree of activity or occupation. Ludwig examples show it describing people, institutions, and even abstract concepts like a "sports law year". As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceedingly busy" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of being extremely occupied. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use in written English across a variety of contexts. While it is most frequently found in news and media, it also appears in academic and formal settings. However, due to its formal tone, it might be less appropriate for casual conversations. If you need alternatives, consider options like "extremely busy" or "incredibly busy". Remember to use "exceedingly busy" to add emphasis and formality when describing a significant workload or level of activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely occupied

Replaces "exceedingly" with "extremely", maintaining a similar level of intensity but with a slightly more common word choice.

intensely preoccupied

Substitutes both words for synonyms that indicate a strong focus and engagement with tasks.

incredibly hectic

Uses "hectic" to emphasize the chaotic nature of being very busy, and "incredibly" to amplify.

overwhelmed with tasks

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by numerous responsibilities.

swamped with work

Employs a more informal idiom to describe being overloaded with work.

up to one's ears in work

Presents a more figurative and informal way of saying someone is very busy.

working around the clock

Focuses on the continuous nature of being busy, implying little to no rest.

burning the midnight oil

Another idiomatic expression indicating long hours spent working.

heavily engaged

A more formal alternative that emphasizes deep involvement in various activities.

deeply involved

Highlights a strong level of engagement and investment of time in multiple activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceedingly busy" to describe someone who has a lot of tasks to complete or is extremely occupied. For example: "The project manager was "extremely busy" leading multiple teams."

What are some alternatives to "exceedingly busy"?

Alternatives include "extremely busy", "incredibly busy", or "intensely preoccupied", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "exceedingly busy" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "exceedingly busy" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler options like "very busy" or "really busy" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "exceedingly busy" and "extremely busy"?

Both phrases are similar in meaning, but "exceedingly busy" carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone than "extremely busy". The choice depends on the desired level of formality.