5 alternative ways to say ‘I’m busy’

Here is a list of words and phrases that you can use instead of the phrase, ‘I’m busy’.

Here is a list of words and phrases that you can use instead of the phrase, ‘I’m busy’.

By India Today Web Desk: There are several situations when you might find yourself busy with something, or some work while you’re asked to undertake some other work. While a simple ‘I’m busy’ is often sufficient to get yourself out of the situation, they might not be taken positively in every situation and might appear rude depending upon the situation and the person hearing it. As such, learning some alternative ways to convey that you are busy will prove to be helpful in both personal and professional settings.

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Here are some words or phrases you can use instead of ‘I’m busy’.

Here is a list of words and phrases that you can use instead of the phrase, ‘I’m busy’.

1. OCCUPIED/OTHERWISE OCCUPIED

The word ‘occupied’ or the phrase ‘otherwise occupied’ can substitute ‘I’m busy’ as it conveys that you are busy with something else.

Example: We can use this time to play as mother is otherwise occupied.

2. ENGAGED

Similar to occupied, this word can be used to say that you are working on, or are busy with something else.

Example: Can we meet tomorrow? I have been engaged with my office work since this morning!

3. TIED UP

The phrase ‘tied up’ can be used instead of the phrase ‘I’m busy’ as it suggests that you are already working on something else.

Example: I apologise for not being able to help you, I am tied up with a lot bank work right now.

4. SWAMPED

Though you might not be able to use it in every professional setting, this phrase is used to convey that a person is already flooded with work or assignments.

Example: I am swamped with responding to all these e-mails, can we talk tomorrow?

5. OVERSTRETCHED

Similar to swamped, this word can be used to replace the phrase ‘I’m busy’ as it conveys that the person saying in already engaged in a lot of other work.

Example: These mid-terms already have me overstretched, please shift the car servicing until after my examination!

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Edited By:

Megha Chaturvedi

Published On:

May 18, 2022

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