Learn how to use the comparative “busier” and superlative “busiest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “busiest”?

The comparative form of “busiest” is “busier”.

Example

The city center is busier than the suburbs.

Example

I am busier now than I was last week.

What is the superlative form of “busiest”?

The superlative form of “busiest” is “busiest”.

Example

The shopping mall is the busiest place in town.

Example

This is the busiest time of year for our company.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with busy, busier, and busiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more busy' and 'most busy' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, busier and busiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Busy follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Busy → Busier Superlative: Busy → Busiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “busier”

more active

Used to describe a place or situation that has more activity or people

Example

The downtown area is more active during the weekends.

more crowded

Used to indicate a place that has more people or is more congested

Example

The train station is more crowded during rush hour.

more bustling

Used to describe a place that is lively and full of activity

Example

The market is more bustling in the morning.

Expressions with similar meanings to “busiest”

most active

Similar to busiest, this emphasizes a high level of activity or people

Example

The amusement park is the most active during the summer months.

most crowded

Used to describe a place that has the highest number of people or is the most congested

Example

The subway station is the most crowded during peak hours.

most bustling

Similar to busiest, this emphasizes a high level of liveliness and activity

Example

The city center is the most bustling area in the city.

Using than with comparative “busier”

When using the comparative form busier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The city center is busier than the suburbs." Here, than is used to show that the level of busyness in the city center is greater than the level of busyness in the suburbs.

How can I use this expression in context?

“busier” and “busiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Workplaces

  The office is busier during the holiday season.

  The office is busier during the holiday season.

• 2. Cities

  New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world.

  New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world.

• 3. Stores

  The supermarket is busier on weekends.

  The supermarket is busier on weekends.

• 4. Airports

  The international terminal is the busiest part of the airport.

  The international terminal is the busiest part of the airport.

• 5. Events

  The concert venue is busiest right before the show starts.

  The concert venue is busiest right before the show starts.

Related idioms and phrases

In the thick of it

To be fully involved or engaged in a busy or chaotic situation.

Example

During the holiday season, retail workers are in the thick of it with long hours and demanding customers.

Burning the candle at both ends

To work or stay awake late into the night and wake up early in the morning, leading to exhaustion.

Example

She's been burning the candle at both ends trying to balance her job and personal life.

Running around like a headless chicken

To be very busy and frantic, but without any clear direction or purpose.

Example

After the announcement, everyone was running around like headless chickens trying to figure out what to do.