What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
busy
Example
I am too busy to go out tonight. [busy: adjective]
Example
The city center is always busy with tourists and shoppers. [busy: adjective]
occupied
Example
He is occupied with his work and cannot talk right now. [occupied: adjective]
Example
All the tables at the restaurant were occupied, so we had to wait. [occupied: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Busy is more commonly used than occupied in everyday language. Busy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe a person's schedule or a place with a lot of activity. Occupied is less common and is typically used in more specific situations to indicate a person's engagement or the use of a particular space.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between busy and occupied?
Both busy and occupied can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, occupied may sound slightly more formal due to its specific and focused nature.
