kept busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept busy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is occupied or occupied with a lot of tasks. For example, "The staff at the small business have been kept busy all summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are kept busy.

The Economist

All were kept busy.

The New York Times - Arts

Are the guards kept busy?

The Guardian - Business

At home, he kept busy.

The New York Times

She seemed quite happy, and kept busy.

The New Yorker

They've also kept busy in court.

The New Yorker

Wei Ziqi kept busy that winter.

The New Yorker

He kept busy after leaving Fitzgerald.

The New York Times - Arts

These players have been kept busy.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nonetheless, he keeps busy.

The New Yorker

I can keep busy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone spent their free time, "kept busy" implies they engaged in purposeful activities. Use it to show initiative and avoid conveying idleness.

Common error

Avoid using "kept busy" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of the activities undertaken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept busy" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe the state of being actively engaged or occupied. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various tenses and contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept busy" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a state of being actively engaged in tasks or activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts, opting for more specific language when appropriate. Consider related phrases like "remained occupied" or "had a lot to do" to add nuance. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "kept busy" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained occupied

Replaces "kept busy" by emphasizing a state of continued activity or engagement, suggesting a sustained level of busyness.

stayed active

Focuses on maintaining a state of activity rather than explicitly stating busyness, implying a consistent involvement in tasks or pursuits.

remained engaged

Highlights continuous involvement and focus, similar to "kept busy" but with an emphasis on mental or emotional investment.

occupied oneself

Implies that someone found ways to fill their time, focusing on the individual's initiative in staying busy.

had a lot to do

Indicates a state of having many tasks or responsibilities, directly conveying the idea of busyness.

had many commitments

Highlights the presence of obligations and responsibilities that consume time and energy, similar to being "kept busy".

juggled multiple tasks

Emphasizes the act of managing numerous responsibilities simultaneously, suggesting a hectic and demanding schedule.

was always on the go

Illustrates constant movement and activity, capturing the essence of being busy and occupied.

had a full plate

Suggests having a large number of responsibilities to handle, similar to being "kept busy" with various tasks.

spent time productively

Highlights the effective use of time, implying engagement in worthwhile activities and avoidance of idleness.

FAQs

How can I use "kept busy" in a sentence?

You can use "kept busy" to describe someone who is actively engaged in various tasks or activities. For example, "She "kept busy" with her volunteer work and hobbies after retirement".

What are some alternatives to "kept busy"?

Alternatives include "remained occupied", "stayed active", or "had a lot to do", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "kept busy" or "remained busy"?

Both "kept busy" and "remained busy" are acceptable, but "kept busy" is slightly more common. The choice depends on the desired nuance; "remained busy" emphasizes a continuation of a state.

What does it mean to say someone "kept busy"?

To say someone ""kept busy"" means they engaged in activities to fill their time and avoid being idle. It implies a state of being active and occupied.