keep me occupied

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep me occupied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to politely suggest that someone give you something to do in order to pass the time. For example, "Now that I'm unemployed, I'm looking for something to keep me occupied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It would keep me occupied on the island.

Independent

"I want something that will keep me occupied for two weeks".

The New York Times

I prefer to be in places where there are things to keep me occupied.

Independent

Gill had to buy me a Nintendo Gameboy to keep me occupied.

The Guardian - Arts

Nothing against it, but between fly-fishing and kayaking I had more than enough to keep me occupied.

The New York Times - Travel

A big question and one I've a feeling will keep me occupied for a tidy slice of 2014.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Guy kept me occupied.

The New Yorker

At the very least, it keeps me occupied.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is tossed in casually, yet I must admit that it not only tweaked my interest but kept me occupied, as on a long car journey, during all the dreary, often snow-muffled flashbacks in which Catherine and Robert thrash out their emotional differences.

The New Yorker

My volunteering keeps me occupied anywhere from seven to fifteen hours a week depending on the project at hand, but it's at home with very little human contact.

Huffington Post

Grave Mistake also just put out the second 45 by North Carolina's Brain F. That one's kept me occupied many a drunken Wednesday afternoon the past few weeks.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep me occupied", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of activity or engagement you're seeking. Be specific about your interests to get relevant suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "keep me occupied" without specifying the desired level of engagement. Simply saying "I need something to keep me occupied" may not elicit helpful suggestions if the other person is unaware of your preferences or limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep me occupied" functions as a request or statement indicating a desire for activities or tasks that will fill one's time and prevent boredom. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, confirming its acceptability and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep me occupied" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a need for activities or tasks to fill one's time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be appropriate in professional or academic settings. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the types of activities you prefer when using this phrase. Common alternatives include "give me something to do", "fill my time", and "help me stay active".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep me from being bored

Directly addresses the avoidance of boredom.

give me something to do

Focuses on the act of providing an activity.

alleviate my boredom

Highlights the reduction of boredom as the primary goal.

find an activity for me

Emphasizes the search for a suitable pastime.

offer a diversion

Suggests something that distracts from boredom or worry.

provide an engagement

Highlights the need for something that holds one's attention.

help me stay active

Focuses on the physical or mental activity aspect.

fill my time

Emphasizes the need to occupy available hours.

give me a task

Implies a more structured or purposeful activity.

stimulate my mind

Focuses on intellectual engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "keep me occupied" in a sentence?

You can use "keep me occupied" to express a desire for activities to fill your time. For example, "I'm looking for a new hobby to keep me occupied during my retirement".

What's a more formal way to say "keep me occupied"?

In formal settings, you might say "provide a means of engagement" or "offer stimulating activities" instead of "keep me occupied".

What can I say instead of "keep me occupied"?

You can use alternatives like "give me something to do", "fill my time", or "help me stay active" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "kept me occupied" or should I always use "keep me occupied"?

Both "keep me occupied" and "kept me occupied" are grammatically correct. "Keep me occupied" is used in the present or future tense, while "kept me occupied" is used in the past tense. For example, "This book will keep me occupied on the flight" versus "This book kept me occupied on the flight".