not too busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"not too busy" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a level of busyness that is not excessive or overwhelming. Example: "I'd like to schedule a meeting for next week, but please let me know if you're not too busy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not too busy.

The New York Times

You're not too busy to do it.

Harvard Business Review

But not too busy to party.

The New York Times

God, if you're not too busy, save that Queen.

The Guardian - Sport

Are some people, then, not too busy for cancer?

The Guardian - Books

They'll tell you, if they're not too busy uploading selfies.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not too busy, there's no background and no distraction.

The Guardian - Tech

Mike spots a street corner that is not too busy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"How's your day been?" "Ah, not too busy.

The New Yorker

When it's not too busy, Abdul Aziz Ansari, the owner, will show you around.

The New York Times

Assuming, of course, that he's not too busy dealing with Syria and chemical weapons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a place, "not too busy" can indicate a comfortable or relaxed atmosphere. It suggests the location is not overcrowded or hectic, making it more inviting.

Common error

Avoid using "not too busy" excessively in your writing, as it can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "available", "free", or "relaxed" to keep your text engaging and dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too busy" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being or a characteristic. Ludwig shows it is often used to describe people's availability or the atmosphere of a place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not too busy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of manageable activity or availability. Ludwig indicates that it's frequently used in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts such as wikis, with its primary purpose being to convey approachability or a relaxed atmosphere. While it's essential to avoid overuse and vary your language with alternatives like ""available"" or "relatively free", using "not too busy" effectively communicates a sense of balance and accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

available

Implies being accessible and ready to take on tasks or engagements.

plenty of free time

Emphasizes abundance of time not committed to specific activities.

relatively free

Indicates a moderate amount of availability, suggesting more free time than constraints.

not tied up

Indicates a lack of binding obligations or appointments.

not overwhelmed

Focuses on the mental state of not being overburdened with tasks.

relaxed schedule

Describes a timetable with few commitments, offering plenty of open slots.

with time to spare

Suggests having extra time beyond what is needed.

at leisure

Suggests freedom to choose activities without constraints from obligations.

manageable workload

Highlights that the amount of work is under control and can be handled efficiently.

leisurely pace

Suggests doing tasks without rushing, implying ample time.

FAQs

What does "not too busy" mean?

The phrase "not too busy" indicates a state of having some availability and not being excessively occupied with tasks or responsibilities. It suggests a manageable level of activity.

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

You can use "not too busy" to inquire about someone's availability, describe the atmosphere of a place, or self-report your level of busyness. For example, "Are you "available" for a meeting next week? I'm "not too busy" then."

What can I say instead of "not too busy"?

You can use alternatives like "relatively free", ""available"", or "relaxed schedule" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "not too busy" in informal and neutral settings when you want to convey a sense of approachability and availability without seeming overly idle. It is also suitable for describing environments that are pleasantly uncrowded.