was extremely busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was extremely busy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being very occupied or engaged in activities, often in a past context. Example: "Last week, I was extremely busy with work deadlines and meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

And life was extremely busy.

The Guardian

I was extremely busy at work since it was peak tax season, so I figured I'd go after April 15.

The New York Times

Customers also complained that the Livedrive support phone line was extremely busy and gave no further explanation.

The Guardian - Tech

Old Dr. Parsons was the only doctor left in town during the war and he was extremely busy and unable to participate in any social activities.

The New Yorker

"At the time, I was extremely busy seeing patients and trying to complete my work, leaving little time for unrelated conversation," she explained.

The New York Times

"For the first 10 days after Elaine's death, the place was extremely busy," said the manager who inherited the restaurant, Diane Becker.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We've been extremely busy.

The New York Times

A We've been extremely busy.

The New York Times

"I am extremely busy," he said.

The New York Times

Rudy had been extremely busy all day.

The New York Times

I am extremely busy at the moment".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was extremely busy" to clearly convey a high level of activity or engagement in a past context. To add more context, specify the reason or area where someone "was extremely busy".

Common error

While "extremely" emphasizes the degree of busyness, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms like "incredibly", "intensely", or more descriptive phrases to maintain reader engagement. For instance, instead of repeatedly saying someone "was extremely busy", try "was deeply involved" or "had a hectic schedule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was extremely busy" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a state of being very occupied or engaged in various activities. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was extremely busy" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of high activity or engagement in the past. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is frequently used in news articles, scientific publications, and business communications. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability, highlighting its descriptive function and neutral register. While versatile, remember to avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms such as "was incredibly occupied" or "had a hectic schedule" to maintain reader engagement. Using the phrase carefully can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was incredibly occupied

Replaces "busy" with "occupied" and "extremely" with "incredibly", suggesting a high level of engagement.

was intensely engaged

Focuses on the intensity of the engagement rather than just being occupied.

was deeply involved

Highlights a profound level of participation and commitment.

was swamped with tasks

Implies being overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done.

had a lot on one's plate

An idiomatic expression indicating having many responsibilities.

was tied up with work

Suggests being unable to do other things due to work commitments.

had a hectic schedule

Emphasizes the chaotic nature of being very busy.

was up to one's ears in

An idiom suggesting being completely immersed in something.

was working around the clock

Implies continuous work, often without rest.

was snowed under

Similar to "swamped", but more figurative, implying being buried under work.

FAQs

How can I use "was extremely busy" in a sentence?

You can use "was extremely busy" to describe someone's state of being very occupied with tasks or activities in the past. For example: "Last week, I "was extremely busy" with work deadlines."

What can I say instead of "was extremely busy"?

You can use alternatives like "was incredibly occupied", "was swamped with tasks", or "had a hectic schedule" depending on the context.

Is "was extremely busy" formal or informal?

"Was extremely busy" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might consider using alternatives like "was intensely engaged" or "was deeply involved".

Which is correct, "was extremely busy" or "is extremely busy"?

The choice between "was extremely busy" and "is extremely busy" depends on the time frame you are referring to. Use "was" for past events (e.g., "Yesterday, I "was extremely busy"") and "is" for present situations (e.g., "Today, I "am extremely busy"").