if you're not too busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"if you're not too busy" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a conditional phrase to suggest a possibility or request that is dependent on the other person's availability or willingness. Example: "I was wondering if you're available for a meeting later this week, if you're not too busy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

God, if you're not too busy, save that Queen.

The Guardian - Sport

If you're not too busy weeping that it's finally all over.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you're not too busy being romantic, you can see the moon setting on your left and the sun rising on your right, while Tobago's noisy national bird, the cocorico, will serenade you by shouting its name from the treetops as dawn breaks.

The Guardian - Travel

Enjoy the rest of your day, and if you're not too busy, you may want to poke around the FCC's new Web site, OpenInternet.gov.

TechCrunch

He flies around and follows people and doesn't want to intrude but just wants to chat if you're not too busy.

TechCrunch

You could really do with educating yourself, that is if you're not too busy getting your tits out to read.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

They'll tell you, if they're not too busy uploading selfies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ask for them to introduce you if they're not too busy.

WikiHow

And if the early online reaction is any indication, a lot of them are already scrounging — if they're not too busy mopping the drool from their chins.

The New York Times - Tech

Maybe then, if they're not too busy tending their own garden, we'll invite the Obamas over for dinner.

Huffington Post

If they're not too busy, try to chat them up and get to know them.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with a specific timeframe to make your request clearer, such as "if you're not too busy this week."

Common error

Avoid using "if you're not too busy" in every request. Overuse can make you sound insincere or as if you expect the other person to always be available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you're not too busy" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It modifies the main clause by setting a condition upon which the action in the main clause depends. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if you're not too busy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used conditional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and versatile expression used to introduce requests or suggestions politely. Its usage spans various contexts, from news articles to how-to guides, with a predominantly neutral tone. While authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ it, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain sincerity. Alternatives like "if you have the time" or "when you get a chance" can offer variety in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you have the time

Focuses directly on whether the person has available time.

if you're free

Simplifies the condition to whether the person is currently unengaged.

if it's convenient for you

Prioritizes the person's convenience in accommodating the request.

should you find a moment

More formal and polite way of expressing the condition.

if your schedule allows

Specifically refers to the person's planned activities and commitments.

when you get a chance

Suggests the action can be done at any point in the future when the person is able.

if you can spare the time

Emphasizes that the person may need to sacrifice some time from other activities.

provided you're not overwhelmed

Highlights concern that the person might already be dealing with too much.

assuming you have capacity

More business-oriented, referring to the person's ability to take on more work.

if your workload permits

Directly addresses whether the person's current tasks allow for additional responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if you're not too busy" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, try using phrases like "should you find a moment" or "if your schedule allows". These options convey politeness and respect for the other person's time.

What's a more casual way to say "if you're not too busy"?

In informal settings, you can say "if you're free" or "when you get a chance". These are shorter and more relaxed ways to ask for help or a favor.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "if you're not too busy"?

Using "if you're not too busy" may be inappropriate if the task is urgent or critical. In such cases, a direct request might be more suitable to ensure the task is prioritized.

What are some alternatives to "if you're not too busy" that emphasize convenience?

You can use phrases like "if it's convenient for you" to highlight that you want to accommodate the other person's preferences and schedule.