far too busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is excessively occupied or has too many commitments. Example: "I would love to join you for dinner, but I'm far too busy with work this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm far too busy".

The Guardian

We're far too busy to be doing anything.

The Guardian

They're all far too busy worrying about themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Far too busy to worry about a mere cabinet minister.

The Guardian

Company doctors are far too busy and the roster is shrinking.

Independent

The women here are not on show, being far too busy mapping the emotional ground.

The New Yorker

She's far too busy editing videos she has filmed herself, interviewing entrepreneurs.

Independent

He has been far too busy worrying about his family's new status.

The New York Times

"I was far too busy to ever get into trouble," Ms. Huffman said.

The New York Times - Style

We are far too busy thinking: 'There but for the grace of God…'" Quite so.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was far too busy to read journals or attend meetings to stay up to date.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider adding a brief explanation for why you are so busy. This adds context and makes your response more empathetic.

Common error

Avoid using "far too busy" repeatedly in a short span of time. This can sound dismissive or as if you are constantly unavailable. Vary your language to express your lack of time using alternative phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too busy" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being excessively occupied. It amplifies the adjective "busy," indicating a significant lack of available time or resources. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far too busy" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to convey that someone is extremely occupied and unable to take on additional tasks. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is most frequently found in News & Media, and is considered to have a neutral register. While it is useful for politely declining requests, overuse should be avoided. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules, and there are several alternatives such as "completely tied up" or "incredibly swamped" that can be used for variety. The phrase is applicable in many cases, so it's a great one to keep in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely tied up

Indicates unavailability due to prior commitments.

extremely occupied

Emphasizes a high degree of engagement or involvement.

overly preoccupied

Highlights a state of being excessively absorbed in thought.

up to my ears

An idiomatic expression for being very busy with something.

incredibly swamped

Suggests being overwhelmed by a large volume of tasks.

snowed under

Suggests being overwhelmed by a large amount of work.

deeply engrossed

Focuses on being completely absorbed in an activity.

immersed in tasks

Emphasizes deep involvement in ongoing work.

fully engaged

Indicates a state of being completely involved in activities.

under the pump

Informal expression for being under pressure and very busy.

FAQs

How can I use "far too busy" in a sentence?

You can use "far too busy" to explain why you can't take on additional tasks or attend events. For example, "I'm "far too busy" with current projects to accept new clients" or "I'd love to help, but I'm "far too busy" this week".

What are some alternatives to saying "far too busy"?

Alternatives include "extremely occupied", "completely tied up", or "incredibly swamped". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "far too busy"?

While generally acceptable, using "far too busy" might be inappropriate if it sounds dismissive or as an excuse to avoid important responsibilities. Consider the relationship with the person you're speaking to and the context of the situation.

What does it mean when someone says they are "far too busy"?

When someone says they are "far too busy", it typically means they have many pressing commitments and limited time. It suggests they are unable to take on additional tasks or responsibilities due to their current workload.