kind of busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"kind of busy" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that you are feeling a bit busy. Example: I have been kind of busy with work lately.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He's a partner in a Manhattan law firm, the kind of busy guy who returns phone calls from taxis en route to business trips.

The New York Times

HIM I'm kind of busy.

The New York Times

What kind of busy?

The New York Times - Food

Kind of busy now, obviously.

The New Yorker

I'm kind of busy doing other things.

The New York Times

"I'm kind of busy right now," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

This kind of busy-beaver, spontaneous activity is, of course, a de-facto rebuke to Hollywood's elephantine methods and inane formulas — the snippy-snappy Kate Hudson comedies, the digital-action films that whirl into nowhere.

The New Yorker

(Smart phones also attract me-too buyers who want to be perceived as the kinds of busy executives who typically use the devices).

Forbes

Police were scrambling to action, looking all kinds of busy while they calmly ordered coffees inside a cozy Starbucks. .

Vice

Wednesday was kind of a busy day, but late in the afternoon I tried to log in to my bank's Web site to see what checks had posted (I bank with PNC).

The New York Times

After four decades inside Childwickbury – where the Kubricks created a kind of blissful, busy mix of film production and family life – she has fallen victim to a series of tragedies.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of busy" in informal settings or when you want to downplay the extent of your busyness. It's suitable for casual conversations and emails.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of busy" in formal reports or business correspondence, where more precise language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "moderately occupied" or "engaged in multiple tasks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of busy" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of moderate occupation. It's a softened way of saying someone is busy, often used to avoid sounding overwhelmed or unavailable. Ludwig indicates that it is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of busy" is a common and informal way to express that someone is moderately occupied, without implying they are excessively stressed or completely unavailable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for written English, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional settings. Usage is frequent in News & Media, but rare in Academic or Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the audience and the desired level of formality to ensure the message is appropriately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat occupied

Replaces "kind of busy" with a more formal tone, indicating a moderate level of engagement.

rather engaged

Similar to "somewhat occupied", but conveys a slightly higher degree of involvement.

a bit preoccupied

Focuses on the mental aspect of being busy, suggesting one's thoughts are elsewhere.

slightly overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by tasks, adding an emotional dimension.

moderately swamped

Emphasizes the quantity of tasks, portraying a state of being moderately overloaded.

relatively tied up

Indicates that one's time is constrained, suggesting a lack of availability.

reasonably engaged

Suggests a fair degree of involvement, balancing activity with composure.

partially booked

Implies a schedule that is not completely full but has existing commitments.

fairly active

Highlights the general state of being busy, focusing on the activity level.

somewhat hectic

Conveys a chaotic and rushed feeling associated with being busy.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of busy" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of busy" to describe your state of being occupied. For example, "I'm "kind of busy" with work right now, but I can call you later."

What can I say instead of "kind of busy"?

You can use alternatives such as "somewhat occupied", "rather engaged", or "a bit preoccupied" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kind of busy"?

Yes, it's grammatically acceptable, though it's considered informal. In formal writing, you might prefer more precise and professional language.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "kind of busy"?

It's appropriate in casual conversations, informal emails, and situations where you want to downplay how busy you are. Avoid using it in formal settings or professional reports.