Is busy formal or informal?

Busy is common in both speech and writing. It is neutral, not especially formal.

What is the difference between busy and occupied?

Busy is more everyday and direct. Occupied sounds a little more formal.

Can I say a place is busy?

Yes. It often means the place has many people or a lot of activity.

Is busy used in business writing?

Yes, but often in simple phrases like 'busy schedule' or 'busy period'.

← Dictionary

busy

/ˈbɪz.i/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Having a lot of work or many tasks to do. It can also mean full of activity, people, or movement.

I'm busy all morning.
The restaurant was busy last night.
She stays busy with work and family.

verb

To keep someone occupied or working. This use is less common in everyday English.

Please busy yourself with the files.
He busyed himself with cleaning the desk.
She was busying the children with games.

Adinary Nuance

Busy is stronger than 'occupied' in everyday speech, and more common than 'engaged' in simple conversation. Use 'busy' for people, places, schedules, or periods with a lot happening. For a more formal tone, writers often choose 'occupied' or 'engaged' instead.

In other languages

Vietnamese: bận rộn
Spanish: ocupado
Chinese: 忙碌
Japanese: 忙しい
Korean: 바쁜

Etymology

Busy comes from Old English bisig, meaning active or occupied. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.

Common phrases

busy schedulebusy daybusy with workkeep busy

Synonyms

occupied engaged active

Related words

crowded hectic workload schedule

Frequently asked questions

Is busy formal or informal?: Busy is common in both speech and writing. It is neutral, not especially formal.
What is the difference between busy and occupied?: Busy is more everyday and direct. Occupied sounds a little more formal.
Can I say a place is busy?: Yes. It often means the place has many people or a lot of activity.
Is busy used in business writing?: Yes, but often in simple phrases like 'busy schedule' or 'busy period'.