has a full plate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a full plate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has a lot of tasks or responsibilities to manage at a given time. Example: "With all the projects and meetings scheduled for this week, I really feel like I have a full plate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

As he enters his final year of undergraduate study at MIT, Hattori has a full plate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The presumptive Democratic nominee has a full plate in the days ahead.

The Washington Post

MARK CUBAN, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has a full plate.

The New York Times - Tech

"She has a full plate, and she's ready to hit the ground running," the official added.

The New York Times

Mr. Blakemore already has a full plate handling the show in London.

The New York Times

The five-member commission, whose members were all appointed last year, has a full plate, including an inquiry into telecommunications privacy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The next leader will have a full plate.

The New York Times - Health

His aides argued that he had a full plate and did not have time to come.

The New York Times

IN the past year of eating my way across central New Jersey, I've had a full plate.

The New York Times

Ms. Kaye, who took on the cases free, has had a full plate herself.

The New York Times

"Women already have a full plate of image concerns regarding impending wrinkles, and sagging size and shape.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the overwhelming nature of someone's workload, consider using synonyms like "swamped" or "snowed under" for added impact.

Common error

Avoid using "has a full plate" to literally mean someone has a lot of food. This phrase is purely idiomatic and refers to responsibilities, not sustenance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a full plate" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it's commonly used to describe someone with many responsibilities. It acts as a descriptor, indicating a state of being busy or occupied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has a full plate" is a common idiom used to describe someone who is very busy with numerous responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's grammatically sound, widely understood, and can be used in both formal and informal settings. While alternatives like "is very busy" or "is overloaded with tasks" exist, this phrase offers a colorful way to communicate a heavy workload.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a lot on their plate

A slight variation, replacing "full" with "a lot".

is overloaded with tasks

Directly states the condition of having too many tasks.

is very busy

Focuses on the state of being busy, omitting the metaphorical aspect of the original phrase.

has many responsibilities

Highlights the numerous duties one is accountable for.

is swamped with work

Emphasizes being overwhelmed by the amount of work.

is up to their ears in work

Uses a different idiom to convey being deeply involved in work.

is snowed under

Another idiomatic expression for being overwhelmed with tasks.

is fully occupied

Emphasizes being busy and engaged.

is stretched thin

Conveys that resources, especially time and energy, are being used to the fullest extent, often leading to stress.

is working at full capacity

Highlights that someone is giving its maximum to accomplish its work.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says another person "has a full plate"?

Saying someone "has a full plate" means they "have many responsibilities" or a lot of tasks to handle at a particular time.

Is "has a full plate" formal or informal?

The phrase "has a full plate" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's generally understood and accepted in various settings.

What can I say instead of "has a full plate"?

You can use alternatives like "is very busy", "is swamped with work", or "is overloaded with tasks" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "has a full plate" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new CEO "has a full plate" with the company's restructuring and new product launches".