In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to find ourselves juggling multiple tasks at once. Whether in a professional environment or a personal one, knowing how to express that you’re occupied in a tactful yet clear way is essential. Simply saying “I am busy” can come off as blunt or dismissive.
Discover other ways to say “I am busy” in English! Whether for work, casual conversations, or professional emails, this article provides diverse phrases and examples to help you express your busyness with clarity and creativity.
This article offers other ways to say ‘I am busy’ in English, each with a unique tone and level of formality, allowing you to communicate your availability—or lack thereof—more effectively. Below each expression, you’ll find a scenario to help you see how to use it in everyday conversation.
List Of Other Ways to Say ‘I Am Busy’
- My schedule is packed right now
- I’m swamped
- I have a lot on my plate
- I’m tied up at the moment
- I’m in the middle of something
- My calendar is full
- I’m occupied at the moment
- I’m engaged with other tasks
- I’m juggling multiple projects
- I’m working on a deadline
- I’ve got a full day ahead
- I’m caught up with other work
- I’ve got my hands full
- I’m up to my eyeballs in work
- I’m snowed under
- I’m completely booked
- My time is spoken for
- I’m currently unavailable
- I’m tied down with other commitments
- I’m inundated with work
1. My Schedule is Packed Right Now
This phrase conveys that your time is fully committed, but it does so in a way that sounds a bit lighter and more conversational.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Follow-up on Project Details
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to touch base with you regarding our discussion from last week. At the moment, my schedule is packed, but I should be able to look over the documents by Friday afternoon. Please feel free to send over anything that needs review, and I’ll get to it as soon as I can.
Thanks for understanding,
Hannah
2. I’m Swamped
This is a more informal way of saying you’re extremely busy. It’s often used in casual conversations with colleagues or friends.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hey Mia,
I hope everything’s going smoothly on your end. I’m completely swamped with work today, but I’ll try to check in with you later this week. Let’s catch up soon!
Cheers,
Hannah
3. I Have a Lot on My Plate
This idiomatic expression is a polite way to express that you have many tasks or commitments at the moment.
Example:
Phone call with Mia
Hi Mia,
Thanks for checking in. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now with the project deadlines approaching, but I’ll be free next week to discuss our collaboration. I appreciate your patience!
Best,
Hannah
4. I’m Tied Up at the Moment
A slightly more formal way to say you’re unavailable, especially in a professional or business setting.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Quick Update on Status
Hi Mia,
I wanted to let you know that I’m tied up at the moment with back-to-back meetings, but I’ll follow up with you as soon as I have a break. If anything urgent comes up, please feel free to send me a text, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
Best,
Hannah
5. I’m In the Middle of Something
This expression is useful when you’re occupied but want to indicate that you might be available later.
Example:
Text message to Mia
Hey Mia,
I’m in the middle of something right now, but I’ll give you a call as soon as I wrap up. Is that okay?
Talk soon,
Hannah
6. My Calendar is Full
This is a formal way to say you’re busy, commonly used in professional settings.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Meeting Request
Hi Mia,
Thanks for reaching out. My calendar is full for the next few days, but I can schedule some time with you next week. How does Tuesday at 3 p.m. sound? Let me know if that works for you.
Best regards,
Hannah
7. I’m Occupied at the Moment
This is a more neutral phrase that conveys you are currently busy but without sounding harsh.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hi Mia,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m occupied at the moment with some urgent work, but I’ll make time to get back to you later today. I hope that works!
Kind regards,
Hannah
8. I’m Engaged With Other Tasks
A formal way of letting someone know that you’re working on other responsibilities.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Task Follow-Up
Hi Mia,
I wanted to follow up with you regarding the tasks we discussed. I’m currently engaged with other tasks, but I will review your submission by Thursday afternoon and provide my feedback. Thanks for your patience!
Best,
Hannah
9. I’m Juggling Multiple Projects
This phrase paints a clear picture of being busy with more than one task at a time.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re well. I just wanted to let you know that I’m juggling multiple projects at the moment, so I might not be able to respond to your email right away. I’ll do my best to get back to you by tomorrow!
Take care,
Hannah
10. I’m Working on a Deadline
A great phrase to use when you’re busy because you have an impending deadline.
Example:
Text message to Mia
Hey Mia,
I’m working on a deadline at the moment, so I won’t be able to chat until later. Can we reschedule for tomorrow afternoon?
Thanks for understanding,
Hannah
11. I’ve Got a Full Day Ahead
This expression indicates that your entire day is booked, without sounding too blunt.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Rescheduling Our Meeting
Hi Mia,
Unfortunately, I’ve got a full day ahead, and I won’t be able to meet at our scheduled time. Could we possibly move the meeting to Friday at 10 a.m.? Let me know if that works for you.
Best,
Hannah
12. I’m Caught Up With Other Work
This polite phrase is ideal for business or formal settings when you need to explain that you’re busy with other tasks.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hi Mia,
Just a quick note to let you know that I’m caught up with other work at the moment, but I’ll be free by late afternoon. Let’s catch up around 4 p.m. if that works for you.
Best,
Hannah
13. I’ve Got My Hands Full
A casual and slightly informal way to convey that you’re extremely busy.
Example:
Text message to Mia
Hey Mia,
I’ve got my hands full with a few things right now, but I’ll reach out to you later in the evening. Hope that’s okay!
Best,
Hannah
14. I’m Up to My Eyeballs in Work
This idiom is a colorful and exaggerated way of saying you’re overwhelmed with work, and it can be used in informal settings.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hey Mia,
I’m sorry, I haven’t been able to get back to you yet. I’m up to my eyeballs in work today! I’ll get back to you first thing tomorrow.
Thanks for your patience,
Hannah
15. I’m Snowed Under
This British expression is a fun and informal way to say that you are overwhelmed with tasks.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Apologies for the Delay
Hi Mia,
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I’ve been snowed under with other commitments, but I’ll make sure to follow up with you by tomorrow morning.
Best regards,
Hannah
16. I’m Completely Booked
A professional and direct way to say your schedule is full.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Scheduling a Meeting
Hi Mia,
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, I’m completely booked this week, but I’d be happy to arrange a meeting for next Monday. Please let me know what time works best for you.
Kind regards,
Hannah
17. My Time is Spoken For
This phrase is formal and polite, letting someone know that your time has already been allocated to other commitments.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Follow-Up on Meeting
Hi Mia,
I appreciate your message. My time is spoken for this afternoon due to some prior engagements, but I’ll be available tomorrow morning if that works for you.
Best,
Hannah
18. I’m Currently Unavailable
A simple and professional way to indicate you can’t attend to something immediately.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hi Mia,
I’m currently unavailable to take a call but feel free to send me an email, and I’ll get back to you later today.
Thanks,
Hannah
19. I’m Tied Down With Other Commitments
This is a more formal and professional way of explaining that you’re occupied.
Example:
Email to Mia
Subject: Project Update
Hi Mia,
I wanted to update you on the project status. I’m tied down with other commitments at the moment, but I’ll send over my feedback on the documents by the end of the day. Thanks for your understanding!
Best regards,
Hannah
20. I’m Inundated With Work
This phrase conveys that you’re overwhelmed but in a professional and formal tone.
Example:
Message to Mia
Hi Mia,
I’m sorry for not replying earlier. I’ve been inundated with work, but I’ll send you the details by tomorrow. Thanks for your patience!
Take care,
Hannah
