hectic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hectic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that can be used to describe a situation as busy, chaotic, or disorderly. Example sentence: It was a hectic afternoon at the office with last-minute requests coming in from all over.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The city can be hectic, so to slow things down and keep a romantic feel, stay on Heybeliada, one of the Princes Islandss that lie just a short ferry ride from the centre of the city.

The Guardian - Travel

But in 2001 an area for meditation and relaxation was created, away from the hubbub of the hectic streets of London; it also provided a welcome outside space for the adjacent Brunei Gallery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I went for the latter, and after 15 minutes of hectic massage and much wailing, my toes came back to life.

The Guardian

This great St Petersburg company is stretching itself across a hectic work schedule, both in its two home theatres and on foreign tours, yet its quality can still be unparalleled.

The Guardian

"You want to play as much cricket as you can, but we've been quite hectic over the last 18 months with a lot of red-ball cricket," said Broad.

The Guardian - Sport

Irvine is determined not to overuse Berahino, especially through the hectic Christmas schedule, and risk leaving the 21-year-old physically and mentally exhausted come the new year.

The Guardian - Sport

For those with hectic jobs, the skywalks offer a necessary break; I often find medical workers taking a breather on the Santacruz East skywalk (incidentally the most widely used route, according to the MMRDA).

The Guardian

Ohuruogu plans to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and potentially at the London World Championships, having taken a step back from her usual hectic schedule this year to prepare mentally and physically for the challenges ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

Pietersen and Flintoff plan to play more IPL cricket next spring, in addition to a hectic international schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

It's all about relaxation and getting away from hectic daily life, so if you want to spend time on your own, you won't be seen as a freak.

The Guardian - Travel

Another fixture is of little use to Rangers given their tight squad and hectic schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period or event as "hectic", provide specific details to illustrate the nature and intensity of the activity. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hectic" with overly general subjects like "life" without specifying which aspects are causing the commotion. Instead of a "hectic life", specify a "hectic work schedule" or "hectic travel plans".

Linguistic Context

The word "hectic" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of heightened activity, often with connotations of stress or disorganization. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in sentences like, "The city can be hectic" and "a hectic work schedule".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hectic" is a versatile adjective used to describe situations characterized by high activity, disorganization, and stress. Ludwig AI affirms that it's correct usage. It is commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "hectic", consider providing specific details to enhance clarity. While "busy" is a general term for activity, "hectic" implies a more chaotic and stressful condition. Alternatives include "frantic", "busy", and "chaotic". Be mindful of overuse and vagueness; specify what exactly is "hectic" to make your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frantic

Emphasizes the sense of urgency and disorganization.

chaotic

Highlights the disorder and lack of control in the situation.

frenetic

Similar to frantic, but may also imply excitement or energy.

busy

A more general term indicating a high level of activity, lacking the implication of stress.

tumultuous

Indicates a state of great disturbance, disorder, or agitation.

turbulent

Implies instability and disturbance in addition to activity.

feverish

Suggests a state of heightened activity and possibly irrationality or illness.

action-packed

Focuses on the abundance of exciting events and activities.

manic

Suggests an extreme level of energy and activity, potentially bordering on instability.

eventful

Highlights the occurrence of significant events, which may or may not be stressful.

FAQs

How can I use "hectic" in a sentence?

You can use "hectic" to describe a period of time or situation filled with activity, such as "It was a hectic week at work" or "The city center is always hectic during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to using "hectic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "frantic", "busy", or "chaotic".

What's the difference between "hectic" and "busy"?

"Busy" generally indicates a high level of activity, while "hectic" implies that the activity is disorganized and stressful. "Busy" is a general term, while "hectic" has a stronger negative connotation.

When is it appropriate to use the word "hectic"?

Use "hectic" when you want to convey that a situation is not only busy but also stressful, disorganized, and possibly overwhelming. Avoid using it when simply describing a high level of activity without these negative connotations.