things are bustling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are bustling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lively or busy atmosphere, often in a specific location or situation. Example: "As we walked through the market, we could see that things are bustling with activity, with vendors calling out to customers and people hurrying by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Things are bustling inside littleBits' Chelsea offices.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Inside the church and its parsonage, things were bustling.

The New Yorker

On the Boardwalk, things were bustling with joggers, walkers and local residents riding beach-cruiser bicycles with fat, knobby tires and longhorn handlebars.

The New York Times

It is easy to forget things when you are bustling around in the morning trying to wrangle kids into the car, and I forgot my cup on a number of occasions.

HuffPost

Repair shops are bustling.

The Economist

Markets are bustling.

The Economist

The markets are bustling...

The New York Times

TRIPOLI'S streets are bustling once again.

The Economist

Bars are bustling.

Vice

The construction areas are bustling.

Huffington Post

Student life is bustling at the Pond Student Union where you'll find a food court, game center and craft shop, among other things.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "things are bustling" with specific details to create a vivid image for the reader. Instead of just saying "things are bustling", describe what specific activities are contributing to the busyness.

Common error

While "things are bustling" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "thriving" or "active" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are bustling" functions as a descriptive statement. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to portray a lively and busy atmosphere, indicating active conditions or environments. Examples show its application in describing offices, boardwalks, and general situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are bustling" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, effectively conveying a sense of lively activity. While not exceedingly common, it frequently appears in news and media to vividly describe dynamic environments or situations. For a more sophisticated tone in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "thriving" or "active". Remember to pair this phrase with specific details to enhance the reader's understanding of the bustling scene.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the scene is lively

Highlights the dynamic and energetic qualities of a particular setting or situation.

things are humming

Implies a smooth, efficient, and continuous activity, subtly changing the imagery.

everything is buzzing

Conveys a sense of excitement and rapid activity, creating a more animated image.

activity is thriving

Focuses on the positive growth and energy, shifting the emphasis from mere busyness to successful activity.

the environment is energetic

Emphasizes the high-spirited and dynamic qualities of a specific environment.

the atmosphere is vibrant

Shifts the focus to the overall feeling or mood of a place, suggesting energy and excitement.

the place is teeming

Suggests that a location is full of people or activity, often implying a sense of crowding.

it's a hive of activity

Uses a metaphor to describe a place that is intensely busy and organized.

there's a lot happening

A more general way of saying that things are busy or active, with less emphasis on the energetic aspect.

the situation is active

Focuses on the dynamic nature of the circumstances, rather than the atmosphere or location.

FAQs

What does "things are bustling" mean?

The phrase "things are bustling" means that there is a lot of energetic activity happening in a particular place or situation. It suggests a lively and busy atmosphere.

What can I say instead of "things are bustling"?

You can use alternatives like "activity is thriving", "things are humming", or "the scene is lively" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "things are bustling"?

Yes, it is correct to say "things are bustling". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English to describe a lively or busy atmosphere.

In what contexts is "things are bustling" most appropriate?

The phrase "things are bustling" is most appropriate when describing a place or situation with a high level of energy and activity. It is often used in news articles, travel writing, or descriptive passages.