have many commitments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have many commitments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing various obligations or responsibilities that someone has in their personal or professional life. Example: "Due to her busy schedule, she has many commitments that prevent her from attending social events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

People today have many commitments and the world offers many distractions.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Podesta said the president would have many commitments after leaving office, including continuing to speak out for his party.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet each had many commitments — the most immediate being Dr. Creasey's to her dog, which was at her apartment and desperate to go out.

The New York Times

If you compare them to Thomas, he has many commitments in his media activities.

BBC

During this time John also had many commitments outside Oxford including time-demanding work for the Department of Health, the Royal Society (elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1991, Fig. 4 A), the Royal College of Physicians, and the British Association for the Advancement of Science' (Sir David Weatherall).

Brain

As they mature, these new technology companies will have many chances to prove their commitment to diversity.

The New York Times

Indexation also pushes down levels of sustainable debt, as it increases vulnerability to exchange-rate adjustments that might otherwise be desirable.Fortunately, in addition to productivity gains, governments still have many ways to make their commitment to future debt repayments more credible.

The Economist

Yet some of her policies, alongside recent revelations about the sketchy dealings of her two closest political confidants — including an alleged link with high level drug traffickers and manipulating the media to falsely smear critics — have many Peruvians questioning Keiko's commitment to fighting crime.

Vice

"She has many campus commitments and she knew those would have to change," Ms. Canepa said.

The New York Times

Colman, who plays the vicar's wife, Alex, is currently in a West End production of Noel Coward's Hay Fever and has many other commitments including her roles in the Channel 4 comedy Peep Show and the BBC Olympic sitcom Twenty Twelve.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ms. Kennedy never wanted the job to be full time, these friends say, because she has many other commitments, most involving what one associate called the "franchise" responsibilities that come with being the last surviving member of President John F. Kennedy's nuclear family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying someone "has many commitments", provide details if possible. For example, "She has many commitments, including work projects, family responsibilities, and volunteer activities."

Common error

Don't assume that "having many commitments" automatically implies a lack of time or availability. Instead, focus on the specific constraints or challenges those commitments create, rather than making broad generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have many commitments" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating that a person or entity is engaged in multiple obligations or responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have many commitments" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of being occupied with numerous obligations. Ludwig AI provides examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to provide specific context or avoid overgeneralization when using the phrase. Alternatives like "have numerous obligations" or "bear several responsibilities" can provide a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have numerous obligations

Replaces "commitments" with the more formal "obligations".

have several responsibilities

Substitutes "commitments" with "responsibilities", emphasizing duties.

juggle multiple priorities

Emphasizes the need to manage competing demands.

have a demanding schedule

Highlights the intensity and busyness of someone's routine.

be heavily involved

Focuses on the level of involvement rather than specific commitments.

be tied up with many things

Indicates a lack of free time due to various engagements.

be stretched too thin

Indicates that someone is trying to do too much and is under pressure.

be fully booked

Suggests that someone's schedule is completely filled with appointments or tasks.

have a lot on one's plate

An idiomatic expression meaning to have many tasks or problems to deal with.

be up to one's ears in work

An informal expression meaning to be very busy with work.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have many commitments" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "have numerous obligations" or "bear several responsibilities". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What does it mean when someone says they "have many commitments"?

It generally means the person is involved in several activities, projects, or responsibilities that require their time and attention. This could refer to professional duties, family obligations, community involvement, or other personal endeavors.

Is it better to say "have many commitments" or "have a lot of commitments"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Have many commitments" is slightly more formal and concise, while "have a lot of commitments" is more colloquial. Choose the phrase that best fits the overall tone of your writing or conversation.

What are some signs that someone might "have too many commitments"?

Signs include frequently being late, appearing stressed or overwhelmed, missing deadlines, or consistently canceling plans. They may also express feeling stretched too thin or unable to focus effectively on any single task. It is similar to the expression "be stretched too thin".