unusually busy

USAGE SUMMARY

"unusually busy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is happening at a much higher rate or intensity than usual. For example: "Due to the sudden popularity of the restaurant, the wait times are usually busy, but last night it was unusually busy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are two other games on an unusually busy Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

It was, Sergeant DeCola said, an unusually busy day.

The New York Times

Also in 2009, the Sausalito mammal center had an unusually busy year.

The New York Times - Science

IT IS holiday time, but Madrid's streets are unusually busy for August.

The Economist

THIS is an unusually busy moment in the unhappy history of efforts to curb climate change.

The Economist

TAX planners at private-equity firms are having an unusually busy summer.

The Economist

Aside from the economy, the millennium has also contributed to an unusually busy season.

The New York Times

That morning, the office of Carr Futures on the 92nd floor was unusually busy.

The New York Times

Even for China's rigorous internet censors, it has proved an unusually busy day.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

All three advanced on a very busy and unusually sunny afternoon at the All England Club.

The New York Times - Sports

The tunnel tubes had to be unusually deep to avoid the busy shipping channel overhead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unusually busy" to emphasize a deviation from the norm. Instead of simply saying something is busy, use this phrase to highlight that it is busier than usual. For example, "The office was "unusually busy" today due to the unexpected project deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "unusually busy" as a generic adjective. Ensure the context explicitly supports the deviation from the typical activity level. Saying "My day was "unusually busy"" is less impactful without specifying what made it so (e.g., "My day was "unusually busy" with back-to-back meetings and urgent requests").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually busy" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the intensity of the adjective "busy". It modifies the adjective to indicate that something is experiencing a higher level of activity than what is considered normal, like Ludwig states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unusually busy" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as Ludwig highlights, to denote a level of activity that surpasses the typical or expected norm. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to emphasize deviations from the ordinary, like a specific day being busier or more active than the usual, without being too formal or informal. When using the term, make sure to contextualize what is experiencing a deviation from a typical activity level and avoid overuse, like in the phrase "my day was unusually busy". Alternatives such as "particularly hectic" or "exceptionally active" can bring slight variations to meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally active

Emphasizes the high level of activity and energy.

particularly hectic

Focuses on the chaotic and rushed nature of the busyness.

remarkably occupied

Highlights the state of being engaged or involved in numerous tasks.

extraordinarily full

Emphasizes the extent to which something is filled with activity or commitments.

intensely engaged

Focuses on the high level of involvement and dedication.

overloaded with tasks

Specifically describes being burdened by an excess of responsibilities.

incredibly eventful

Highlights the occurrence of numerous significant events.

surprisingly lively

Focuses on the unexpected and vibrant nature of the busyness.

uncommonly stimulated

Highlights something that is being stimulated at a higher rate than usual.

notably bustling

Emphasizes the active and energetic movement or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "unusually busy" to describe a situation that is more active or crowded than normal. For instance, "The store was "unusually busy" due to the holiday sales", or "The doctor's office has been "unusually busy" this flu season".

What are some alternatives to "unusually busy"?

Alternatives include "particularly hectic", "exceptionally active", or "remarkably occupied", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more unusually busy"?

Using "more" with "unusually busy" is redundant. "Unusually" already implies a deviation from the norm, so "unusually busy" is sufficient. You could rephrase to something like "even more hectic" or "exceptionally busy" for emphasis.

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

"Very busy" simply indicates a high level of activity. "Unusually busy" implies that the activity level is higher than what is typically expected or experienced. Thus, "unusually busy" suggests a deviation from the norm, whereas "very busy" does not.