not very busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or a person's level of activity, indicating that they are somewhat free or not occupied with many tasks. Example: "Today, the office is not very busy, so I can help you with your project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There is a long break generally two to five hours long in the middle of the day, during which most businesses are closed and the streets are not very busy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's a bookstore is nearby which is usually not very busy.

The Guardian

"It's not very busy, the slopes are pretty empty right now," the Snowbird spokesman Dave Fields said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

At the library in Rolling Fork, the seat of Issaquena's sister county, Sharkey, a woman comes in daily to help people with their forms, but she is not very busy.

The New York Times

Round the clock, two guards patrol the empty cult compound here, but they are not very busy: few people are brave enough to see the place that spawned one of the largest cult killings in history.

The New York Times

Says who?! If we need to reduce the deficit target the rich not the vulnerable #demo2012 November 21 , 2012shhhsharn (@shhhsharn) Not very busy in the Library so far this morning -is everyone at #demo2012?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And they weren't very busy.

The New York Times

North America's metals service centers weren't very busy.

The New York Times

The company wasn't very busy and shared its space with a live poultry market.

The New Yorker

It is one of around 40 disused Tube stations in London; most closed because they weren't very busy.

The Economist

"Being that my practice wasn't very busy in the beginning and you don't have true emergencies in podiatry, I did both," Dr. Tumminello said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a business or service, use "not very busy" to suggest a relaxed or uncrowded atmosphere, which can be a positive attribute for some customers.

Common error

Avoid using "not very busy" when you intend to convey inefficiency or lack of productivity. While it indicates fewer people or tasks, it doesn't automatically imply a negative situation. Be precise with your language to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very busy" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, indicating a state of reduced activity. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to describe places, people, or times that are less occupied than usual.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not very busy" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe a state of reduced activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it's generally neutral, the phrase can carry subtle connotations depending on the situation. For instance, it can be positive when describing a relaxing atmosphere or negative when implying inefficiency. Alternative phrases, such as "relatively inactive" or "somewhat quiet", can offer different shades of meaning. The frequency of "not very busy" makes it a familiar and easily understood expression in both spoken and written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively inactive

Focuses on the state of being less active than usual.

somewhat quiet

Emphasizes the lack of noise or activity.

not particularly hectic

Highlights the absence of a frenzied or rushed atmosphere.

moderately unoccupied

Suggests a partial lack of occupation or tasks.

fairly leisurely

Implies a relaxed and unhurried pace.

rather free

Indicates availability and lack of commitments.

not overly engaged

Focuses on the level of involvement in activities.

mildly unburdened

Suggests a slight release from responsibilities.

scarcely overloaded

Highlights the lack of excessive workload.

slightly understaffed

Implies that the number of workers is not adequate for high activity levels

FAQs

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

You can use "not very busy" to describe a place or person that isn't experiencing a lot of activity. For example, "The restaurant was "not very busy" on Monday nights" or "The doctor's schedule is "not very busy" this week".

What is a more formal alternative to "not very busy"?

Alternatives to "not very busy" in formal context include phrases such as "relatively inactive", "moderately unoccupied", or "somewhat quiet".

Is it grammatically correct to say "not very busy"?

Yes, "not very busy" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI also confirms this. It is a common and acceptable way to describe a state of being less occupied than usual.

What's the difference between "not busy" and "not very busy"?

"Not busy" simply means there is a lack of activity, whereas "not very busy" implies there is some activity, but it is less than expected or usual. "Not busy" suggests complete inactivity, while "not very busy" suggests a moderate level.