How Do You Talk About Being Busy or Not Being Busy in English?

TL;DR

To talk about being busy in English, use phrases such as “in a hurry,” “in a rush,” “running late,” “I have a lot on my plate,” and “I need to get going.” Bob the Canadian explains these expressions through a hectic week caused by the start of semester two and the return to in-person teaching. Read on to understand what each phrase means and when to use it.

Transcript

• Hi, Bob, the Canadian here. I have to be honest with you. I almost didn't make an English lesson for you this week. I'm really busy right now. So I thought I should make an English lesson where I also just tell you about my life for a little bit. So I'll try to explain my current life situation and why that makes me busy and why I almost didn't m... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Bob's lack of spare time is due to the start of a new school semester.
• 😍 Being "in a hurry" and "in a rush" means doing tasks quickly and one after another.
• 💝 When someone says they're "running late," it implies they should have started an activity earlier.
• 🧑 Transitioning from remote to in-person teaching during the pandemic adds to Bob's nervousness and challenges.
• ❓ Bob is confident that eventually, he will settle back into a routine.
• 🤪 Phrases like "I need to get going" or "I got to go" are commonly used when in a hurry.
• 😍 Bob hopes his viewers aren't as busy or rushed as he is.

Questions & Answers

Q: What English phrases can you use to talk about being busy?

You can say you are “in a hurry,” “in a rush,” “running late,” or that you “have a lot on your plate” or “have a lot on the go.” When you must leave because you are busy, you can say, “I need to get going,” “I got to get going,” or “I got to go.”

Q: What do “in a hurry” and “in a rush” mean?

Both phrases mean that you are doing many things very quickly and one after another. Bob describes getting up, eating breakfast, editing on his computer, and preparing lesson plans in a single busy morning.

Q: What does “running late” mean in English?

“Running late” means you are behind schedule and should have started or completed something earlier. Bob says he is running a little late because he needs to be at work soon and may arrive late.

Q: What do “spare time” and “time on my hands” mean?

“Spare time” is extra time available for enjoyable activities or other optional tasks. If you have “a lot of time on your hands,” you do not have much work or many other obligations.

Q: What does “I have a lot on my plate” mean?

It means you have many responsibilities or tasks demanding your attention. Bob uses it alongside “I have a lot on the go” while describing how overwhelmed and busy he feels.

Q: When can you say “I need to get going” or “I got to go”?

You can use these phrases when talking to someone and you need to leave, especially if you are busy, rushed, or in a hurry. Bob uses them because he is running late and needs to get to work.

Q: What does it mean to “settle into a routine”?

To “settle into a routine” or “get into a routine” means that your activities become doable and manageable again. Bob expects his unusually busy period to last a few days before he returns to a comfortable routine.

Q: Why is Bob the Canadian especially busy and nervous?

Semester one ended the previous week, semester two is beginning, and Bob is returning to in-person teaching after teaching remotely throughout December and January. He also feels nervous about teaching during the pandemic, although his school will use masks, social distancing, and the proper protocols.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bob is busy and doesn't have much spare time due to the start of a new school semester.

• He teaches English phrases related to feeling rushed and being in a hurry.

• Bob mentions being a little overwhelmed but expects to settle back into a routine soon.