otherwise employed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "otherwise employed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is engaged in a different job or activity, often in contrast to a previous statement or context. Example: "I would love to join the project, but I am otherwise employed at the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He was not otherwise employed.

The New York Times

Someone unemployed from July 2010 to June 2011 but otherwise employed, for example, would have positive income in both calendar years 2010 and 2011.

The New York Times

The only visual elements in the production are a scaffolding at stage center on which hang exotic-looking gongs and other percussive devices, and the two musicians (also white clad and seated when not otherwise employed) who play them.

The New York Times

That afternoon, Mr. Davis will turn over the governorship of restless, striving California to Arnold Schwarzenegger, and for the first time in 30 years Mr. Davis will be neither in elected office nor otherwise employed in government.

The New York Times

An heirloom ring, an expensive glass vase and a malfunctioning public address system are among the items that are lost, tossed or otherwise employed by Mr. Ludwig to bolster this uneven comedy, which suffers intermittently from arbitrary sitcom-style writing.

The New York Times

If the show's limited action sags, as it often does, there's a leap to a new game of endurance or a hastily arranged intrusion by Big Brother, who, it turns out, was an attractive CBS broadcaster otherwise employed on the morning news.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I believe music has its best existence in those parts we do not otherwise employ.

The New Yorker

And whatever else Karzai does, he does not imprison dissidents (at least the non-violent ones) by the thousands or otherwise employ legions of professional torturers.

The New Yorker

To begin with, it left the island's banks with a lot of cash deposits that they had to lend out or otherwise employ.

The New Yorker

Colour is added by using three separate arrays, each fitted with a filter for one of the primaries red, green and blue that, in combination, produce a full-colour image.The Hughes-JVC projector uses "image-light amplification" (ILA), which also relies on reflection, but otherwise employs a completely different approach from the Texas instrument.

The Economist

There has also been interest from equipment makers in licensing or otherwise employing the system.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "otherwise employed" when you want to subtly indicate that someone has existing responsibilities or commitments that might affect their availability or capacity for additional tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise employed" when a simple 'employed' will suffice. The phrase implies a contrast or prior statement about someone's status, so ensure that contrast is clear in your writing. Don't use it redundantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise employed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate an alternative state of employment or engagement. It clarifies that an individual is occupied with activities different from the one being discussed. Ludwig AI highlights this usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "otherwise employed" is a grammatically correct and useful way to indicate that someone is engaged in activities or employment different from what is being currently discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples of its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general informational sources. While not extremely frequent, its use is appropriate in professional, formal, and neutral contexts to precisely convey someone's existing commitments, and its meaning is being busy, working, presently engaged or occupied with other duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently occupied

This alternative focuses on the present state of being busy.

presently engaged

This phrase emphasizes current involvement in an activity.

gainfully occupied

This highlights the fact that the employment leads to earning.

already working

Simple way to state that someone is busy.

not available

This option shows unavailability due to other duties.

committed elsewhere

Highlights that someone's time is assigned to other tasks.

busy with other duties

This emphasizes that the commitments are formal.

engaged in other activities

Describes involvement without specifying the type of employment.

not at liberty

Highlights that someone cannot perform certain actions because of other commitments.

preoccupied with other matters

Focuses on the mental engagement with other duties.

FAQs

How can I use "otherwise employed" in a sentence?

You can use "otherwise employed" to indicate that someone is engaged in a different job or activity, often in contrast to a previous statement or context. For example, "I would love to join the project, but I am /s/currently+occupied target="_blank" rel="nofollow">currently occupied at the moment.".

What does "otherwise employed" mean?

"Otherwise employed" means that someone is working or engaged in activities outside of what is being specifically discussed or considered. It suggests they have other commitments or responsibilities.

What are some alternatives to "otherwise employed"?

Some alternatives to "otherwise employed" include "currently occupied", "presently engaged", or "committed elsewhere" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "otherwise employed"?

It is appropriate to use "otherwise employed" when you want to emphasize that someone's time or energy is already being used for other tasks or responsibilities, especially when discussing new opportunities or commitments.