I'm tied up. vs I've been tied up.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I'm tied up' is used to indicate that someone is busy or unavailable at the moment. 'I've been tied up' is used to indicate that someone has been physically restrained or held back in some way.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 466 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone is busy or unavailable at the moment.

"I'm tied up."

This phrase is used to inform someone that you are currently occupied or unavailable to do something.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can't get you your money if I'm tied up.
It burns where I'm tied up.
I'm tied up. I can't get away now.
How are you? -I'm tied up. I'm scared.
It burns where I'm tied up.
I'm tied up. I can't.
Come on, I'm tied up.
I'm tied up.
But I'm tied up all week.
I'm a real good shot when I'm not tied up.
I'm a little tied up now.
I could give you a demonstration right now, but I'm a little tied up.
I'm tied up right now.
It's... I'm just tied up now.
Just give me two minutes, I'm kind of tied up here.
I help you, next thing you know I'm tied up like a pretzel.
Listen, I'm kind of tied up here.
I'm tied up on the floor.
I can't right now. I'm a... little tied up.
This is all working out for the best- except for the part where I'm still tied up, larrin.

Alternatives:

I'm busy right now.
I'm occupied at the moment.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone has been physically restrained or held back in some way.

"I've been tied up."

This phrase is used to explain that someone has been prevented from doing something due to being physically restrained or occupied.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sorry, mate. I've been a bit tied up.
I've been tied up on a cross all week.
I've been tied up by women too but... It's only ever been recreational.
The property's been tied up in Foreclosure since 2009.
So Carlos Abreu must have been tied up in some sort of gang activity.
All my money's been tied up.
Could've been tied up as long as three days.
Somebody could have been tied up here.
This place has been tied up in court for months.
But experimental science had been tied up with all those things.
Our vic might have been tied up 'cause these look like rope shavings.
This place has been tied up in court for months.
All my money's been tied up.
No, I've talked to guys tied up before.
I've got three covers tied up in this.
Once I've tied up all the loose ends here.
If it was the girl that he abducted - she could've been tied up.
You know, you and Deacon have been tied up together for a long time.
Couple guys with gunshot wounds have been tied up and gift-wrapped.
The victim had been tied up with her T-shirt in a distinctive fashion that Reyes used again on later victims.

Alternatives:

I've been held back.
I've been occupied.

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