10 Ways to Say “I’m Busy”

Do you ever feel like you only have one way to respond when someone asks you to do something, but you’re completely swamped? Knowing more than just “I’m busy” is a great way to communicate clearly and manage your time without sounding rude. Here are 10 ways to say “I’m Busy” that will help you sound more natural and confident in English.

10 Ways to Say “I’m Busy”

When you need to turn down a request or can’t take on more work, choose a phrase that matches the situation. We’ve grouped these 10 ways to say “I’m Busy” by how formal or casual they are.

Polite and Formal Ways to Say “I’m Busy”

Use these phrases in professional settings, with people you don’t know well, or when you want to be especially respectful.

1. I’m tied up.
   • Meaning: This means your schedule is completely full with an urgent commitment. Use it when you literally cannot step away from what you’re doing.
   • Example: “Could you attend the meeting?” “Unfortunately, I I’m tied up with the client presentation until 3 p.m. Can we reschedule?”
2. My plate is full.
   • Meaning: This is an idiom that means you have too much work to do right now. It’s a clear way to show you can’t take on any additional tasks.
   • Example: “I appreciate you asking, but my plate is full for the rest of the week. I won’t be able to start that new project.”
3. I’m prioritizing X right now.
   • Meaning: This is a gentle but firm way to decline a request by explaining that another task is more important. It shows you’re busy but still organized.
   • Example: “I wish I could help, but I’m prioritizing finishing the budget report right now, and that needs my full attention.”
4. I have a lot on my schedule.
   • Meaning: A direct and professional statement that your calendar is booked. It avoids giving a lengthy explanation.
   • Example: “I can’t talk right now; I have a lot on my schedule before the deadline.”

Casual and Friendly Ways to Say “I’m Busy”

Use these phrases with friends, family, or close colleagues. They are more relaxed and common in everyday conversations.

5. I’m swamped.
   • Meaning: This is a very common and descriptive way to say you are extremely busy, like being overwhelmed by a flood of work. It’s used often in an informal setting.
   • Example: “I’d love to go out tonight, but I’m swamped with homework. Maybe tomorrow?”
6. I’ve got my hands full.
   • Meaning: A simple, friendly way to say you are busy with something else. It literally suggests you are carrying too much to take on anything new.
   • Example: “Can you help me move this desk?” “Sorry, I’ve got my hands full with these boxes. Ask John!”
7. I’m running around.
   • Meaning: This means you are busy dealing with many different small tasks, often involving a lot of movement or effort.
   • Example: “I can’t stop for coffee. I’m running around getting ready for my sister’s wedding.”
8. I’m slammed.
   • Meaning: An informal, high-energy way to say you are extremely busy, often used in jobs like restaurants or retail when there is a sudden rush of work.
   • Example: “It’s been crazy today—we’ve been absolutely slammed since noon.”

Phrases to Delay the Request

Use these to show willingness to help, but only later. They are a good way to say “I’m Busy” without completely saying no.

9. Check back with me later.
   • Meaning: A direct request to the person to ask you again when your schedule is clearer. This is a very clear and functional phrase.
   • Example: “I can’t talk about that now; I have a deadline at 4. Check back with me later this afternoon.”
10. I can squeeze you in at X time.
    • Meaning: This is a helpful, but still firm, way to set a limit. It means you are very busy, but you can find a small window of time to help them.
    • Example: “I can squeeze you in at 11 a.m. for ten minutes, but that’s all the time I have free today.”

Phrases in Action: Short Dialogues

See how these phrases look in real-life conversations.

Dialogue 1: Work Request (Polite)

A: “Hey, can you quickly draft an email to the new vendor?”

B: “I wish I could, but my plate is full with the quarterly report. John has some free time—could you try asking him?”

Dialogue 2: Social Invitation (Casual)

A: “Want to watch a movie tonight?”

B: “Oh, I’m so sorry, I can’t. I’m totally swamped with my final project right now. Next week, I promise!”

Dialogue 3: Setting a Limit (Direct)

A: “I need to discuss the budget now. Can we talk for an hour?”

B: “I’m currently tied up in a meeting, but I can squeeze you in at 4:30 for 15 minutes to go over the main points.”

Quick Tips for Using These Phrases

When you use one of these 10 ways to say “I’m Busy”, you don’t have to just stop there. Here’s how to sound even better:

• Be polite: Always start with a friendly word like “Sorry,” “I wish I could,” or “I appreciate you asking.”
• Offer an alternative: If possible, suggest a solution, like another person who can help (“Ask John”) or another time (“Maybe tomorrow?”).
• Be brief: You don’t need to give a long, detailed explanation of why you’re busy. A simple phrase like “I’m prioritizing this task” is enough.

Learning how to say no respectfully is a great skill in English. It helps you manage your time and communicate your needs clearly. Try using one of these new expressions instead of “I’m busy” the next time you need to decline a request!