Were you busy in these days? vs Have you been busy lately?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Were you busy in these days?' is asking about a specific period in the past, while 'Have you been busy lately?' is asking about the recent past up to the present. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 3167 views

This phrase is correct but not commonly used in English. It is asking about a specific period in the past.

"Were you busy in these days?"

This phrase is used to inquire about someone's busyness during a particular time frame in the past. It is not as common as other similar phrases.

Show examples from the web [+]

Were you busy in these days?
You were busy in a double trauma.
You were busy in there arranging that other little touch of yours.
You were busy in there arranging that other little touch of yours.
You know, Perry, since Dr. Dorian was on time and you were busy in the break room coming up with that hilarious "better-worse" bit, maybe you should answer to him all day.
While you were busy minoring in gender studies and singing a capella at Sarah Lawrence, I was gaining root access to NSA servers.
because you were busy snorkeling in the great barrier reef?
While you were busy minoring in gender studies and singing a capella at Sarah Lawrence, I was gaining root access to NSA servers.
Verity said you were busy putting it in order.
In 2001, while you were busy getting rich in New York City, I was in Takhar Province, Afghanistan.
Here I was - while you people were busy working in Minnesota - stranded in East Berlin with some time on my hands.
Always something to keep you busy in New York, I expect.
And there is plenty to keep you busy in Las Palmas.
The important thing is to combine the ways, use whatever keep you busy in the new language.
Were you busy rescuing more supermodels?
Were you busy rescuing more supermodels?
Always something to keep you busy in New York,
Aren't you busy in the city?
And if you're worried about having something else to do while waiting for the $250K Guaranteed, don't be because there are lots of other tournaments to keep you busy in the meantime.
Set among the idyllic patchwork streets of Aix-en-Provence, there are plenty of shops and cafés to keep you busy in the breaks between recitals.
To keep you busy in [...]

Alternatives:

Were you busy during those days?
Were you busy at that time?
Were you busy last week?
Were you busy yesterday?
Were you busy during that period?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It inquires about someone's busyness from the recent past up to the present.

"Have you been busy lately?"

This phrase is commonly used to ask if someone has been busy in the recent past leading up to the present moment. It implies a continuous state of busyness.

Show examples from the web [+]

Have you been busy lately?
Have you been busy today, Father?
So... have you been busy?
SIMON: So... have you been busy?
Have you been busy lately?
Have you been busy lately?
Have you been busy lately?
And have you been busy?
So, have you been busy?
My, you have been busy.
So, what have you been so busy with?
You have been busy at the park.
This season you have been busy again with the colors in SF Olympiacos taking part in the first three appointments.
I hope you have been busy making yourself and others happy, that is my wish for this New Year.
Looks like you guys have been busy.
Looks like you guys have been busy.
You must have been busy lately.
You must have been busy enough upstairs.
Look, Alvin, I know you guys have been busy with your sporting endeavors and whatnot, but I can really use your help at home.
Looks like you guys have been busy.
Valda- you two have been busy little bees.

Alternatives:

Have you been busy recently?
Have you been occupied lately?
Have you been swamped lately?
Have you been tied up recently?
Have you been preoccupied lately?

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

Were you busy in these days? vs Have you been busy lately?