is busy with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is busy with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is occupied or engaged in a particular activity or task. Example: "She is busy with her research project and won't be available for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone I know in the recruiting business is busy with client companies who are positive about future job growth.

Science Magazine

He is busy with a lot of things going on in the business world".

The New York Times - Sports

The hall is busy with payload training.

The Guardian

The stage is busy with the quotidian doings of life.

The New York Times

Outside the pavement is busy with young smokers.

The Guardian - Travel

My husband is busy with work in the summer.

The New York Times - Travel

Already the path is busy with joggers, families and cyclists.

The Guardian - Travel

At 78, Steadman is busy with a variety of projects.

The Guardian - Film

Inside the unmarked building, the center is busy with events that showcase its multiple goals.

The New York Times

It is busy with tractors going to and fro and people swinging hoes in the fields.

The New York Times

The block is busy with construction, as several former St . Vincents Hospital buildings are undergoing renovation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to convey that a person's time is fully occupied, "is busy with" serves as a succinct and precise way to communicate this information.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "is busy with" can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "is engaged in" or "is occupied with" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is busy with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being occupied or engaged in a particular activity. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies its correct and usable status. Ludwig examples showcase various subjects that can be described as "busy with" something, from people to organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Unknown/unmatched sources

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is busy with" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of being occupied or engaged in an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, be mindful of its potential overuse in formal writing and consider alternatives for a more refined tone. Its high frequency in news and media sources indicates its widespread applicability in general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is occupied with

Emphasizes being actively engaged or engrossed in something.

is engaged in

Highlights active participation or involvement in a particular activity.

is involved in

Suggests participation or connection to something.

is working on

Focuses on the act of performing a task or project.

is tied up with

Implies that someone's time or attention is constrained by something.

is engrossed in

Indicates deep absorption or captivation in an activity.

is preoccupied with

Suggests that one's mind is primarily focused on something, potentially to the exclusion of other things.

is immersed in

Emphasizes a state of being deeply involved or absorbed in something.

is dedicating time to

Focuses on the allocation of time and effort to a specific activity.

is committed to

Highlights a sense of obligation and dedication to a particular cause or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "is busy with" in a sentence?

You can use "is busy with" to indicate someone is occupied with an activity. For example, "She "is busy with" her research and cannot attend the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "is busy with"?

Alternatives include "is occupied with", "is engaged in", or "is working on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is busy in" instead of "is busy with"?

The correct and more common phrase is "is busy with". "Is busy in" is not standard English usage in this context.

What's the difference between "is busy with" and "is occupied with"?

While both indicate someone is engaged, "is busy with" suggests a more general state of being occupied, while "is occupied with" can imply a more formal or intense level of engagement.