not so busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is not as busy as expected or compared to another time or person. Example: "This week has been not so busy compared to last week, allowing me to catch up on some reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

When she's not so busy.

The Guardian - Books

Suddenly Sir Walter was not so busy.

The Guardian - Arts

Then she changed theories: "Maybe it was when it's not so busy".

The New York Times

He'll help her in training him when he's not so busy.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, I like neighborhoods where it's not so busy with those kinds of skyscrapers".

The New York Times

The government's critics argue that progress would be quicker if public officials were not so busy enriching themselves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He could have gotten to his guns if he weren't so busy punching me.

The New York Times

It makes you suspect that maybe this busy conductor wishes he weren't so busy.

The New York Times

Or least you would have to if you weren't so busy loving Leo.

The Guardian - Sport

Football fans love statistics; they'd say so if they weren't so busy updating their fantasy rosters.

The New York Times

"I was busy," said Reynolds, "but I wasn't so busy I couldn't have done it".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so busy" to politely indicate availability or a less demanding workload, making it suitable for scheduling or suggesting alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "not so busy" in highly formal or professional settings; opt for alternatives like "less occupied" or "more available" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so busy" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of reduced activity or workload. As supported by Ludwig, it's commonly used to indicate a less demanding schedule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not so busy" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe a state of reduced activity or workload. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed to express availability or a less demanding schedule, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives such as "less occupied" or "more available" may be more appropriate in certain professional or academic settings. Avoid overusing the phrase in very formal situations to maintain a polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less occupied

Indicates a state of being engaged in fewer activities.

more available

Focuses on having more free time or being accessible.

not as hectic

Describes a pace that is less rushed and chaotic.

not very tied up

Emphasizes a lack of commitment or constraint.

with time to spare

Highlights the presence of extra time.

having a lighter schedule

Refers to a less demanding or full timetable.

not overwhelmed

Focuses on not being burdened or stressed by activities.

more leisurely

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried state.

not snowed under

Implies not being buried or excessively burdened with work.

relatively free

Indicates a general state of availability and lack of obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "not so busy" in a sentence?

You can use "not so busy" to indicate someone has more free time or a lighter workload than usual. For example, "I'm "not so busy" this week, so I can help with the project".

What are some alternatives to "not so busy"?

Alternatives to "not so busy" include "less occupied", "more available", or "not as hectic", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "not so busy"?

It's generally appropriate in informal and neutral contexts. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "having a lighter schedule" or "relatively free".

Is "not so busy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not so busy" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to describe a state of reduced activity.