totally busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally busy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone is completely occupied or has no free time. Example: "I can't meet you for lunch today because I'm totally busy with work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"You are totally busy cutting them back.

The New York Times

But he told me he recently had decided to go into partnership with another cardiologist; his days, he said, will be "totally busy".

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Any boss who is busy totally understands this concept: "I don't need all the details.

WikiHow

Bjorn Borg's luminescent boxer briefs will keep you totally safe and busy during your next blackout -- if you wear them well, that is.

Huffington Post

Having tools to keep you from getting nailed for absent-mindedly going 5 miles over the limit is one thing — having them so you can blast around at 95 on a busy freeway is totally different (and totally terrible).

TechCrunch

On her second attempt to learn, Ms. Serpa recalled, she "totally freaked out" at a busy intersection.

The New York Times - Health

When you wear a super busy shirt it totally distracts from your hair and face, and you don't want to do that.

WikiHow

If people try to get ahold of you on the phone and get the full-inbox treatment, they'll think you're so busy you're totally swamped with things to do.

WikiHow

"Quite frankly, I've been busy coming up with totally original recipes for my website".

Huffington Post

We tend to glorify "busyness" in our culture, as Arianna Huffington writes in her new book, Thrive (which you should totally read, when you're not busy).

Huffington Post

No EHR system can be used immediately "as delivered," nor can any EHR system totally satisfy the needs of a busy practice.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally busy" to convey a strong sense of being occupied. However, be mindful of your audience and context, as overuse can sound hyperbolic. Consider using alternatives like "extremely busy" or "very busy" for a more moderate tone.

Common error

Avoid using "totally busy" in formal writing or professional communications, as it can sound too informal or exaggerated. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "completely occupied" or "fully engaged" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally busy" functions as an adjectival phrase, where "totally" intensifies the adjective "busy". It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being occupied or engaged, as demonstrated by Ludwig in examples like "his days, he said, will be 'totally busy'".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally busy" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe someone who is completely occupied or extremely engaged. While it is more suitable for informal communication, its versatility allows usage in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki content. Alternatives such as "completely occupied" or "extremely busy" may be more appropriate for formal settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable and conveys a clear meaning of being fully engaged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely occupied

Emphasizes the state of being filled or engaged with tasks, leaving no room for other activities.

extremely occupied

Highlights the intensity of being busy, implying a high level of engagement.

incredibly busy

Similar to "extremely occupied", but adds a sense of disbelief at the level of busyness.

fully booked

Suggests that all available time slots are reserved, often used in a professional or scheduling context.

heavily engaged

Highlights the intensity and depth of involvement in various activities.

swamped with tasks

Emphasizes the feeling of being flooded or overburdened with numerous tasks.

overwhelmed with work

Indicates that the amount of work is causing stress or difficulty in managing tasks.

up to my neck in work

An idiomatic expression suggesting being deeply immersed in work.

tied up

Indicates that one's time is committed, making it difficult to take on additional responsibilities.

always on the go

Describes a lifestyle characterized by constant activity and movement.

FAQs

What does "totally busy" mean?

The phrase "totally busy" means being completely occupied or extremely busy with tasks, activities, or responsibilities, leaving little to no free time.

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

You can use "totally busy" to describe your state of being occupied, like "I can't help you today, I'm "totally busy" with meetings" or "She is "totally busy" preparing for the conference".

What are some alternatives to saying "totally busy"?

Alternatives to "totally busy" include "completely occupied", "extremely busy", "fully booked", or "incredibly busy", depending on the specific context.

Is "totally busy" appropriate for formal communication?

While "totally busy" is understandable, it's generally more suitable for informal conversations. In formal settings, consider more professional alternatives like "completely occupied" or "heavily engaged".