What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
active
Example
He's an active person who enjoys hiking and playing basketball. [active: adjective]
Example
The party was very active with people dancing and socializing. [active: adjective]
Example
The movie was very active with lots of chase scenes and explosions. [active: adjective]
busy
Example
I'm too busy with work to go out tonight. [busy: adjective]
Example
The city streets were busy with traffic and pedestrians. [busy: adjective]
Example
She's busy painting a picture in her studio. [busy: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Busy is more commonly used than active in everyday language. Busy is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while active is more specific and often used in the context of physical activity or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between active and busy?
Both active and busy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but active may be more appropriate in a formal context when referring to physical activity or sports.
