exceptionally busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is extraordinarily busy, for example: "The store was exceptionally busy during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The past few years have been an exceptionally busy time in the textile world.

The New Yorker

At the end of May, rich, garlanded, and exceptionally busy, Eastwood will turn eighty.

The New Yorker

"The last 48 hours have been exceptionally busy at Intu," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"2012 will be an exceptionally busy year for all social welfare lawyers.

The Guardian

Even in a city that was averaging three murders a day, Area One detectives were exceptionally busy.

The New Yorker

An exceptionally busy man, he obtained a further degree in social studies through a University of South Africa correspondence course.

The Guardian

According to the newspaper Reforma, since April 1 Mr. Zedillo has been exceptionally busy inaugurating public work projects around the country, worth a total of $435 million.

The New York Times

The first defining feature of the last six months would seem to be that the grim reaper has been both exceptionally busy and horribly selective.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

While some nights are busier than others, the crowd is exceptionally friendly.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately, after the crisis, the Berlusconi government has proved to be exceptionally inept at creating a stimulus for growth (too busy with other distractions!).

Huffington Post

Two paintings by Aleksandr Razin, one busy ("Seven Deadly Sins") and the other meditative ("Danaya"), are exceptionally well-executed with a variety of technique and media, and they have potent content that sometimes, tantalizingly, eludes our grasp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptionally busy" to emphasize a state of heightened activity or demand that exceeds the ordinary, creating a sense of urgency or importance.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "exceptionally busy" excessively in formal reports or business communications. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "experiencing peak demand" or "operating at full capacity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally busy" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying the adjective "busy". It amplifies the degree of busyness, indicating a state of being more occupied or active than usual. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase describes a situation that is extraordinarily busy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptionally busy" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a heightened state of activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It appears frequently in news, science, and general contexts. While appropriate in many situations, it's important to consider the specific context and register when choosing the best way to convey a high level of activity. Consider alternatives like ""particularly busy"" or ""extremely occupied"" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly busy

Emphasizes a notable degree of busyness, but might not reach the same extreme as the query.

extremely occupied

Focuses on the state of being engaged or involved, highlighting the lack of free time.

incredibly hectic

Highlights the chaotic and demanding nature of the busyness, suggesting a stressful environment.

unusually active

Indicates a higher level of activity than normal, but may not necessarily imply being burdened.

terribly overloaded

Implies an excessive burden of tasks or responsibilities, suggesting potential strain.

swamped with work

Highlights being overwhelmed by a large volume of work, suggesting a temporary situation.

heavily engaged

Focuses on the depth of involvement and commitment, rather than just the quantity of tasks.

completely tied up

Indicates a lack of availability due to commitments, suggesting difficulty in scheduling.

fully booked

Used to describe a schedule that has no free space and emphasizes the unavailability.

pressed for time

Emphasizes the limited amount of time available, suggesting a need for efficiency and prioritization.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptionally busy" to describe a period, place, or person experiencing a higher-than-normal level of activity. For example, "The emergency room was "exceptionally busy" on Saturday night" or "She's been "exceptionally busy" with the new project lately."

What are some alternatives to saying "exceptionally busy"?

Alternatives include "particularly busy", "extremely occupied", or "incredibly hectic". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "very busy" or "exceptionally busy"?

"Very busy" is a general term, while "exceptionally busy" implies a significantly higher level of activity than usual. Use "exceptionally busy" when you want to emphasize an extraordinary level of busyness.

What does it mean when a hospital declares that they are "exceptionally busy"?

When a hospital states that they are ""exceptionally busy"", it typically means they are experiencing a surge in patient volume that stretches their resources and staff, requiring special measures to maintain quality of care.