work is busy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'work is busy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how working conditions are at a particular time or to emphasize how much work there is to do. For example, "Work has been busy lately, so I haven't had much free time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The designer Lisa Perry, known for incorporating elements of Pop Art into her work, is busy constructing a black matte jersey halter column to which she has attached a thick leather choker.

The New York Times

"I don't need him to stay long, just one night, New Year's Eve, and he can just say work is busy and he has to go back the next day, like [the guy I hired] last year," she said.

The Guardian

TC: Almost every time we've talked over the years, you've said that work is busy.

TechCrunch

We know work is busy, so we've pulled together some helpful tips for how to connect with employee news, campus happenings and more through Working@Duke.

Duke University

'Yeah, work is busy.' But now I'm sending these Shadow Puppets of a house project or what I'm doing with the kids and it feels richer than a Skype or phone call.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

My friends who work are busy, stressed and fighting with their husbands.

The Washington Post

The Tories, for all their bluster about industrial strategy and rewarding work, are busy cutting the tax on wealth for a reason.

The Guardian - Business

Work was busy so I hastily made flight reservations for her funeral.

HuffPost

While this exhibit was progressing, the Altoona Works were busy again building a replica; this time the replica was an operable copy of the locomotive.

Wikipedia

When not at work, Will is busy keeping up with his 4 kids.

Duke University

When not working, Amy is busy training for her next mountain to climb.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work is busy", consider adding context to specify the period or reason for the busyness. For example, "work is busy due to the upcoming deadline" or "work is busy this quarter because of new projects."

Common error

While "work is busy" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close succession. Vary your language by using synonyms like "work is demanding" or "I'm swamped with work" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work is busy" primarily functions as a statement describing the current state of one's job or professional activities. It communicates that the volume or intensity of work is currently high. Ludwig examples show its common usage in everyday conversation and news reports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work is busy" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to express that one's work is currently demanding or active. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives might be appropriate in certain professional settings. Remember to vary your language to avoid redundancy and provide context to clarify the specific reasons or timeframe for the heightened workload. While it might seem an uncommon expression, "work is busy" is useful to point out how working conditions are at the moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

workload is heavy

Emphasizes the amount of work needing to be done.

work is demanding

Highlights the challenging nature of the work.

I'm swamped with work

Indicates being overwhelmed by the volume of work.

work is hectic

Focuses on the fast-paced and chaotic nature of the work environment.

I'm snowed under

Implies being buried or overloaded with work.

I have a lot on my plate

Expresses being burdened with numerous tasks or responsibilities.

I'm up to my ears in work

Similar to swamped, indicating a high volume of work.

I'm fully occupied with work

Stresses that all available time is dedicated to work.

I'm tied up with work

Highlights being unavailable due to work commitments.

My schedule is packed

Indicates a filled schedule primarily due to work.

FAQs

How can I use "work is busy" in a sentence?

You can use "work is busy" to describe a period of high activity or workload. For example, "Work is busy right now, so I'm working late".

What can I say instead of "work is busy"?

Alternatives include "workload is heavy", "work is demanding", or "I'm swamped with work".

Is it grammatically correct to say "work is busy"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Work" functions as a subject and "is busy" as a predicate, indicating a state of being.

Which is correct, "work is busy" or "work are busy"?

"Work is busy" is correct because "work" in this context is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb. "Work are busy" is grammatically incorrect.