What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bustling
Example
The market was bustling with shoppers looking for fresh produce. [bustling: adjective]
Example
She walked through the bustling streets of the city, taking in the sights and sounds. [bustling: present participle]
busy
Example
I have a busy day ahead with back-to-back meetings. [busy: adjective]
Example
The restaurant is always busy during lunchtime. [busy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Busy is more commonly used than bustling in everyday language. Busy is a versatile word that can be used to describe both places and people, while bustling is less common and is mainly used to describe places or events with a lot of activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bustling and busy?
Both bustling and busy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, busy is more commonly used in formal settings, such as business or professional environments, while bustling is often used in informal or descriptive contexts.
