generally busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally busy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being occupied or engaged in various activities most of the time. Example: "I find myself generally busy with work and family commitments, leaving little time for leisure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"They are generally busy professionals.

The New York Times - Tech

Throughout the week, shares seesawed in generally busy trading.

The New York Times

I also don't mind talking to seatmates, though everybody, including me, is generally busy working.

The New York Times

— Phil Winkler pays a neighborhood kid to mow his lawn, that small-bore transaction of the American suburb, where adults are generally busy and teenagers offer a price that's right.

The New York Times

I was having building work done, working 30 hours, with three kids all at primary school and generally busy – she taught me so much about being in the moment.

The Guardian

"Early evenings during the week are generally busy and we can see up to eight ambulances arriving at the same time, but we experienced double this demand last night.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On one spread, as Rosen describes the stifling heat, the nausea of seasickness, the lice and rope burns and greasy ropes, Pritelli's cartoonlike spot drawings show the peppy boy beholding the wind, milking the ship's goat and generally busying himself on deck with a smile on his face.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Towner, alternating between the 12-string and a classical six-string, presented each tune orchestrally, filling in the bass line and sometimes the rhythm as well, striking glassy harmonics at interstices, forming unusual chords in the middle of single-note runs and generally busying himself.

The New York Times - Arts

0203-166 6154/5 telltaletale signs of the Jacobean (1603-1625) can be seen creeping in here: the curvy Dutch gables suggest the new Flemish influence, and the facades are generally busier than in Elizabethan (1558-1603) timixingixing brick and stone and incorporating classical elements such as Doric columns.

The Guardian - Arts

So new doctors, nurses and equipment generally stay busy.

The New York Times

They crawled up stems, flew a few inches or flexed their little half-moon wings, and generally looked busy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally busy", consider if the adverb "generally" accurately reflects the degree of busyness. If someone is almost always busy, "always busy" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "generally busy" as a catch-all phrase that lacks specific details. Instead of saying someone is "generally busy", provide context about what makes them busy, such as "generally busy with client meetings and project deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally busy" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of frequent occupation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, citing examples where it describes professionals, trading activities, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally busy" is a common and grammatically correct adverb-adjective combination used to describe a state of being frequently occupied. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its presence in diverse sources like news articles, scientific papers, and general web content. While its register is considered neutral, making it suitable for varied contexts, it's essential to consider if "generally" accurately conveys the degree of busyness. Alternatives such as "usually occupied" or "frequently active" might offer greater precision depending on the intended nuance. A crucial point is to avoid vagueness by providing context when possible to clarify what constitutes the busyness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally engaged in activities

Rephrases the adjective to focus on engagement in active behaviors.

usually occupied

Focuses on the state of being occupied most of the time, rather than the activity itself.

mostly occupied with tasks

Highlights that the person is mostly occupied with tasks.

typically engaged

Highlights consistent involvement in activities, emphasizing routine.

frequently active

Emphasizes the high frequency of activity, less about being burdened.

commonly preoccupied

Indicates absorption in thoughts or tasks, suggesting mental engagement.

routinely involved

Stresses regular participation, implying a structured schedule.

constantly working

Focuses on continuous labor or effort, potentially intense.

habitually engaged

Highlights an ingrained pattern of activity.

ordinarily occupied

Similar to "usually occupied" but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally busy" to describe a state of being frequently occupied. For example, "Doctors are "generally busy" during flu season".

What are some alternatives to "generally busy"?

Some alternatives include "usually occupied", "typically engaged", or "frequently active", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "generally busy"?

Yes, "generally busy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone who is frequently occupied with various activities.

What's the difference between "generally busy" and "always busy"?

"Generally busy" implies that someone is busy most of the time, while "always busy" suggests a constant state of being occupied without any breaks. The former allows for some periods of less activity, whereas the latter doesn't.