looks busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks busy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears to be engaged in a lot of activity or work. Example: "The office looks busy today with everyone working on their projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But I will say that it's a nicer-looking slider device than the Blackberry Torch, which looks busy, chromey, and chubby in comparison.

TechCrunch

He just looks busy.

The New Yorker

Cumberbatch's acting schedule also looks busy.

Independent

Although New York Harbor looks busy from the land, there is plenty of room.

The New York Times

(He's also the drummer in Joe Lovano's quartet, and the foreseeable future looks busy).

The New York Times - Arts

Can I take some of these fliers home?" It looks busy, but it's not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And he looked busy.

The New Yorker

The yards looked busy.

The New Yorker

Others work at looking busy.

The Economist

Even the noodle would snap to and look busy.

The New York Times - Sports

It's best to go on looking busy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks busy" to describe a temporary state or impression, not necessarily a constant condition. For example, "The office looks busy today because of the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "looks busy" to define someone's inherent personality. It's more appropriate to describe their current state rather than implying they are always busy. Instead of saying "He always looks busy", consider "He is often engaged in tasks" or "He appears busy most of the time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks busy" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to describe the appearance of a person, place, or thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and acceptable. Examples show it describing people, harbors, and even schedules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looks busy" is a common and grammatically correct descriptive phrase used to convey the appearance of activity or occupation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, focusing on describing a temporary state rather than an inherent trait. Alternatives like "appears occupied" or "seems active" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context. Overall, "looks busy" is a useful and widely accepted phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to be fully occupied

Directly indicates a state of full occupation.

appears occupied

Focuses on the state of being occupied rather than just appearing busy.

is visibly engaged

Focuses on the visible engagement in tasks.

seems active

Indicates a general state of activity, not necessarily related to work.

appears to be swamped

Suggests being overwhelmed with tasks, more intense than simply busy.

gives the impression of being busy

Highlights the perceived busyness, emphasizing the observer's impression.

conveys an air of activity

Emphasizes the atmosphere or impression of busyness.

exudes busyness

Suggests an outward display of being busy, almost as a characteristic.

projects an image of activity

Similar to 'gives the impression', focusing on the projected image.

presents a busy facade

Implies that the busyness might be a superficial appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "looks busy" to describe someone or something that appears occupied or engaged in activities. For example, "The harbor "looks busy" from the land" or "He "looks busy", but it is hard to tell if he is creating new works or simply cataloguing old ones".

What phrases are similar to "looks busy"?

Similar phrases include "appears occupied", "seems active", and "gives the impression of being busy". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "looks busy"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe the outward appearance of someone or something being engaged in activity, whether or not they actually are. It's useful for conveying a perception or impression.

Is "looks busy" formal or informal?

The phrase "looks busy" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context of your writing will determine its appropriateness.