less busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"less busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has fewer people or activities than before; for example, "The office has been less busy since some of the employees took their summer holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Retail businesses may need to schedule this when the location is less busy.

WikiHow

Less busy.

The New Yorker

Convenient and sometimes less busy than Wegmans.

Cornell University

No less busy is the choreography.

The Guardian

One hopes they're less busy now.

The Guardian - Music

Less busy areas are patrolled by car.

The New York Times

Pace yourself, take breaks and visit smaller, less busy temples.

The Telegraph

"It's less busy than I expected it would be.

The Guardian - Business

Hobbies He claims to be less busy than he seems.

The Guardian

He had never known anyone demonstrably less busy.

The New Yorker

The screen layout is far less busy now.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business schedules or events, specify the context in which something is "less busy". This adds clarity. For example, instead of saying "The store is less busy", specify "The store is less busy on weekday mornings".

Common error

Avoid using "less busy" without a clear comparison point. Saying something is "less busy" implies it was busier before, or is busier at other times. Without this context, the statement loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less busy" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduced state of activity or occupation. As shown by Ludwig, this construction effectively conveys a relative difference in busyness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less busy" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a reduction in activity or occupation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and can be used effectively in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and wiki sources. When using "less busy", it's important to provide a clear comparison point to avoid vagueness. Ludwig examples show various context of usage and semantically similar alternatives such as "quieter", "less hectic", or "more free time" can be used to convey similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize. Overall, "less busy" is a reliable and straightforward way to describe a reduced level of activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less hectic

Emphasizes a reduction in chaotic or rushed activity, highlighting a calmer pace.

not as crowded

Highlights the absence of a large number of people, emphasizing spaciousness and ease of movement.

quieter

Implies a reduction in noise and activity, focusing on a more peaceful environment.

less demanding

Emphasizes a reduction in the requirements or expectations placed on someone or something.

more relaxed

Suggests a decrease in stress and pressure, emphasizing a more comfortable state.

more manageable

Suggests that tasks or responsibilities are easier to handle and control.

slower-paced

Focuses on the tempo of activity, indicating a more leisurely or unhurried rhythm.

off-peak

Indicates a time period when activity is at its lowest, often used in commercial contexts.

more free time

Focuses on an increase in available personal time, indicating fewer obligations.

with reduced workload

Specifically refers to a decrease in professional responsibilities and tasks.

FAQs

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

You can use "less busy" to describe a time, place, or person that has fewer activities or people than usual. For example, "The library is "less busy" in the mornings", or "I'm "less busy" this week than last week".

What are some alternatives to "less busy"?

Alternatives to "less busy" include "quieter", "more relaxed", or "less hectic", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "less busy" or "fewer busy"?

"Less busy" is the correct phrase. "Less" is used with uncountable nouns and abstract concepts like "busyness", while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. You can also say "not as busy".

What's the difference between "less busy" and "more free time"?

"Less busy" describes a reduction in activity or obligations. "More free time" focuses on an increase in available personal time. While related, they emphasize different aspects of having fewer demands on one's time.