10 Ways to Say You’re Busy Without Being Rude [Updated]

“Busy” is a popular English word, but it isn't always used in the way that many learners think.

For example, if you use it to explain to a coworker why you can’t take their call or attend a meeting, it can sound rude and even a bit unprofessional.

If you want a safer option, listed below are 10 English expressions that will communicate the same idea in a much better way.

I’m tied up.

Think of each task you need to work on as a rope. Each time you take on a new task, another rope is tied around you until you’re all “tied up” and not free to work on anything else.

• I’m all tied up with this project. Try asking Janet for help.
• Sorry I was unable to return your call today. I was tied up in meetings all day.

I’m preoccupied.

Imagine someone knocking on your office door while you’re having a meeting. Or imagine getting a call while you’re driving to work. In either case, you can say you're “preoccupied” because you are already (“pre-”) occupied (busy doing something).

• Sorry, I’m a little preoccupied at the moment. Can I call you back later?
• No worries about the late reply. I understand you’re preoccupied with more urgent matters at the moment.

I have a lot on my plate.

If your plate is full, there’s no room for you to put more food on it. In terms of work (and even daily life), this means you can’t accept any more tasks.

• I’d love to help, but I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.
• That’s a nice idea, but our team already has so much on our plate, I don’t think we’ll be able to work on it until at least next year.

I don’t have the bandwidth.

“Bandwidth” is a technical term that has become a popular way to talk about the time and energy needed for work. However, it's mostly used in negative sentences.

• I wish I could take care of this now, but I don't have the bandwidth at the moment. Sorry!
• I don't have the bandwidth to handle that right now. You could try asking me about it again next month.

I’m juggling a lot right now.

“Juggling” takes a lot of energy and focus to do right. After all, you don't want to make a mistake and drop anything! This idea also applies to handling a lot of tasks at the same time.

• I’d love to help, but I’m juggling two jobs while also taking care of my newborn son. Sorry!
• I can make some time for lessons with my tutor even though I'm juggling a lot of stuff at the moment.

I’m spread (pretty) thin.

If you only have a little butter to spread on a piece of toast, it will become a very thin layer of butter. So if you’re “spread thin,” it means you’re spreading your limited time and energy among a lot of tasks.

• I’m afraid I can’t take on another commitment this semester. I’ve already spread myself too thin with two part-time jobs and extra classes.
• I realize that your team's resources are spread thin at the moment, but please do keep this initiative in mind.

Related article: Essential English Vocabulary for Cooking

I'm up to my ears. 

Think of a pile of work documents that is stacked from the floor all the way up to your ears! 

• It feels like I’m always up to my ears in paperwork. I need a break!
• We’ll be up to our ears in work before the holiday season.

You can use this expression for many situations. For example, you can be up to your ears in laundry (if you haven’t washed your clothes in a while) or debt (if there is a lot of money you need to pay off). 

I’m buried in work.

Imagine you’re buried in piles and piles of work and you can’t escape.

• Two of our team members are out sick, so we’re really buried in work this week.
• There’s no way I can take a vacation right now. I’m buried in deadlines.

People also say “I’m drowning (in work)” or “I’m snowed under (with work).”

I’m swamped.

It’s easy to get stuck in a swamp — or even sink into one! Similarly, if you’re “swamped” with work, it's like you have so much that you cannot move.

• We’re launching our marketing campaign this week, so I'm really swamped. But starting on Sunday, I'll be quite free.
• It’s my first day back at work, so I’m swamped. Can I get back to you on this next week?

Things are really hectic.

“Hectic” means that there are a lot of things going on that are difficult to organize or control.

• My schedule is quite hectic these days, but let’s catch up next time you’re here.
• I realize things are really hectic for you this time of year, but I must remind you that your payments are weeks overdue.

Keep in mind that you can’t say “I’m hectic.” “Hectic” describes a schedule, your life and things in your life. It can also describe periods of time (“It’s been a hectic day” or “This week has been hectic”). However, it is not used to describe people.

Wrap-up

Even if you have very little time for new tasks, you can still let others know in a polite way. The phrases we’ve introduced here may seem quite casual, but they are all common in professional situations. However, it is still a good idea to be careful using them with your boss or others with a higher position than your own.

Once you can use these phrases well, the following article will help you learn ways to simply say “No” in informal situations: "No way, José!" Other Ways to Say "No"

• other ways to say
• politeness