keep him busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep him busy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you are encouraging someone to make sure they keep another person occupied or engaged in activities. For example: "I'm going to the store, so you should keep him busy while I'm gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He says running the city is just a project, something to keep him busy now that he has turned his wine business over to his three children.

The New York Times

That will keep him busy enough.

The Economist

Just something to keep him busy".

The New Yorker

"Keep him busy, keep him busy," he shouted, parroting his mother's words.

The New York Times

There are plenty of projects to keep him busy.

The New York Times

Mr. Fessenden, however, has plenty to keep him busy.

The New York Times

Once he had plenty to keep him busy.

The New York Times

Of course Mozart had other things to keep him busy.

The New York Times - Arts

He's got enough to keep him busy here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The portfolio is likely to keep him busy.

The Guardian - Tech

("There are enough old toys to keep him busy," Sharon had insisted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep him busy" when you want to ensure someone is occupied and not idle, especially to prevent boredom or negative behavior. It's a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts, from childcare to professional settings.

Common error

While "keep him busy" is generally applicable, consider more specific alternatives if the context warrants it. For example, "engage him in activities" might be more appropriate when focusing on active participation, while "distract him" might be better when trying to divert attention from something unpleasant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep him busy" functions primarily as a directive, often used to instruct or suggest that someone should provide activities or tasks to occupy another person's time. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep him busy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to suggest that someone should provide activities to occupy another person's time. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic settings. While generally neutral in tone, context matters: consider more specific alternatives if needed. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "keep him busy" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give him something to do

This is a more direct and less nuanced way of saying "keep him busy", suitable for informal contexts.

find activities for him

Emphasizes the act of searching for and providing suitable occupations.

occupy his time

This alternative focuses on filling someone's time, emphasizing the act of occupying rather than the effect of keeping someone engaged.

keep him engaged

Focuses on maintaining his interest and attention, rather than just occupying his time.

engage him in activities

This alternative emphasizes active participation and involvement in specific activities.

provide him with tasks

This alternative suggests a more structured approach, focusing on assigning specific duties or responsibilities.

give him a project

Suggests assigning a specific undertaking that requires sustained effort and attention.

entertain him

This alternative implies providing amusement or enjoyment, often in a leisure context.

give him responsibilities

Implies assigning duties that contribute to a larger purpose, rather than simply filling time.

distract him

This suggests diverting his attention from something else, often to prevent boredom or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "keep him busy" in a sentence?

You can use "keep him busy" to suggest that someone should be occupied to avoid boredom or mischief. For instance, "I need to "keep him busy" while I prepare dinner" or "The project should "keep him busy" for the next few weeks".

What are some alternatives to "keep him busy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "occupy his time", "engage him in activities", or "give him something to do".

Is it better to say "keep him busy" or "keep him occupied"?

Both "keep him busy" and "keep him occupied" are correct, but "keep him busy" often implies active engagement, while "keep him occupied" simply suggests filling time. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "keep him busy" and "distract him"?

"Keep him busy" implies providing activities to fill someone's time, while "distract him" suggests diverting their attention from something unpleasant or unwanted. The phrases have different connotations and are used in different situations.