was bustling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was bustling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place that is lively, busy, or full of activity, often in the past tense. Example: "The market was bustling with shoppers and vendors during the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The store was bustling.

The New Yorker

The campus was bustling.

The New York Times - Sports

The river was bustling.

The New York Times

The Mercury Lounge was bustling.

The New Yorker

The bar was bustling.

The New York Times - Food

Next day, the plaza was bustling.

The New Yorker

Joburg was bustling, brazen and dehumanising.

Independent

Inside, the church was bustling.

The New Yorker

The supermarket was bustling at this hour.

The New Yorker

The prison was bustling with purposeful activity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a muggy afternoon in late June, and the place was bustling with familiar faces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was bustling" to vividly depict a scene filled with energy and activity. It's particularly effective when describing public spaces or events.

Common error

Avoid using "was bustling" in overly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "active" or "busy" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bustling" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating a state of lively activity and movement. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to vividly portray scenes full of energy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was bustling" is a descriptive verb phrase used to convey a sense of lively activity and movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it leans slightly towards informal and may be replaced by more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. When aiming to vividly depict a scene full of energy, "was bustling" is an excellent choice, but it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was thriving

Emphasizes growth and successful activity, implying more than just simple busyness.

was teeming

Suggests an abundance or overflow of activity or people.

was humming

Implies a steady and continuous level of activity, often with a sense of background noise.

was alive

Focuses on the sense of vibrancy and energy present in a place or situation.

was hopping

Informal term suggesting a lively and energetic atmosphere.

was crowded

Highlights the presence of many people, often to the point of being congested.

was active

General term indicating a state of being engaged or in operation.

was moving

Suggests a dynamic environment with things in motion.

was abuzz

Implies excitement and chatter surrounding an event or place.

was vibrant

Highlights the colorful and energetic nature of a place or event.

FAQs

What does "was bustling" mean?

The phrase "was bustling" means that a place or situation was full of activity, energy, and movement. It suggests a lively and busy atmosphere.

How can I use "was bustling" in a sentence?

You can use "was bustling" to describe a place or time. For example: "The market "was bustling" with shoppers." or "The city "was bustling" during the festival."

What can I say instead of "was bustling"?

You can use alternatives like "was thriving", "was teeming", or "was humming" depending on the context.

Is "was bustling" formal or informal?

"Was bustling" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly informal phrase. While acceptable in many contexts, it may be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing.