1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

"I have been idle." vs "I am idle."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I have been idle' is used to indicate a period of time during which someone has been idle, while 'I am idle' is used to describe someone's current state of idleness.

Last Updated: April 04, 2024

I have been idle.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a period of time during which someone has been idle.

This phrase is used to describe a past period of idleness. It implies that the person was idle for a specific duration before the current moment.

Examples:

  • I have been idle for the past two hours.

Alternatives:

  • I was idle.
  • I had been idle.
  • I have been doing nothing.
  • I have been unproductive.

I am idle.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe someone's current state of idleness.

This phrase is used to describe the current state of idleness of a person. It implies that the person is currently not doing anything productive.

Examples:

  • I am idle at the moment.

Alternatives:

  • I am not doing anything.
  • I am being unproductive.
  • I am just sitting around.
  • I am wasting time.

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!