terribly busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"terribly busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is overworked. For example, "I have been terribly busy with work lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Also, you're terribly busy.

The New Yorker

All through autumn I was terribly busy giving lectures on Far Eastern Arts in various British universities.

Harvard University

The road that winds past Red's & Trudy's isn't terribly busy, but, in my family it is a well-traveled beat.

The New York Times - Travel

Perfect for the Armani man - terribly busy and important, but always glad of a reason to look in the mirror.

The Guardian

Paul Deighton, chief executive of the organizing committee, Locog, added that the perception London was "terribly quiet and not terribly busy" since the start of the Games last week was "overdone".

The New York Times

Inside, the receptionist explains politely – politeness being as ubiquitous in the modern south as Lee's beloved scuppernongs were when she was a girl – that Carter is terribly busy with meetings and "out-of-town" stuff.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Weirdly, if this poor girl said 'I'm terribly sorry I'm too busy', I'd probably think she wasn't stressed enough".

The Guardian

February is a busy month for the Terribly Girly crew.

Huffington Post

Business was affected terribly.

Forbes

I was newly married to a busy husband, had a job that encouraged travel, and wasn't terribly enthusiastic about settling in.

The New York Times - Travel

For an exceedingly busy, physically imposing, and often abrasive authority figure, Botstein, who himself entered college as a "terribly insecure sixteen-year-old," is attuned to even the most ordinary forms of other people's pain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terribly busy", ensure the context clarifies the reason for being busy to provide a clearer picture. For instance, specify whether it's due to work, personal commitments, or a combination of factors.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "terribly busy" without offering any context. Instead, provide specifics, such as deadlines, projects, or responsibilities, to give the phrase more meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly busy" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being very occupied or engaged. It serves to intensify the level of busyness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly busy" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of being very occupied. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for general use and is frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using "terribly busy", it is helpful to provide context to clarify the reason for the busyness. Alternatives like "extremely occupied" or "incredibly swamped" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While the phrase is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it without providing specific details about the tasks or activities causing the busyness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely occupied

Intensifies the state of being busy, highlighting a high degree of engagement.

incredibly swamped

Emphasizes being overwhelmed with tasks, suggesting a feeling of being overloaded.

exceptionally engaged

Focuses on the level of involvement, implying deep immersion in activities.

remarkably occupied

Stresses the noteworthiness of being busy, highlighting its significant level.

overwhelmingly engaged

Implies a sense of being overcome by numerous responsibilities.

intensely preoccupied

Highlights a deep focus on tasks, suggesting minimal availability for other things.

heavily committed

Focuses on the amount of dedication, implying deep immersion in activities.

up to one's ears

Informal way to say someone is busy and can't handle more things.

buried in work

Suggests being deeply immersed in work, making it difficult to handle other matters.

fully occupied

Simple and direct way to indicate that one's time is completely filled.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly busy" to describe a state of being extremely occupied with tasks or activities. For example, "I've been "terribly busy" with work lately, trying to meet all the deadlines."

What are some alternatives to saying "terribly busy"?

Alternatives include "extremely occupied", "incredibly swamped", or "exceptionally engaged". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "terribly busy" in formal writing?

While "terribly busy" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "extremely occupied" or "heavily committed" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "terribly busy" and "very busy"?

"Terribly busy" suggests a higher degree of busyness than "very busy". "Terribly" intensifies the adjective, implying a more significant level of being occupied or engaged. Therefore, "terribly busy" implies more stress.