We use “I was busy + verb-ing” to talk about something we were doing in the past. It shows that we were occupied with an activity, so we could not do something else at that time.
For example, if your friend says, “Why didn’t you answer my call?” you can say, “Sorry, I was busy cooking.” This structure is very common in daily conversations at home, at work, or with friends. It helps you explain past situations clearly and naturally.
You can use it to talk about studying, working, cleaning, driving, watching something, or any activity that was happening before.
◎ Important Points
- Use “was” with I, he, she, it.
- Use “were” with you, we, they.
- Add verb + ing after “busy.”
- Talk about past time (yesterday, last night, this morning).
- Use it to explain why you couldn’t do something.
- Do not use the base verb after “busy.”
- Keep your sentence simple and clear in conversation.
➤Key Concept
✅Sentence Structure: Subject + was/were + busy + verb-ing
Example: I was busy preparing for my exam.
Main Concept:
We use this structure to show that we were doing an activity in the past and we did not have free time.
Tip for Better English Speaking:
When you practice, think about what you did yesterday and say 5 sentences using “I was busy + verb-ing.”
➤ Common Mistakes To Avoid
| Common Mistake | Wrong Example | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Using base verb | I was busy cook. | I was busy cooking. |
| Using present tense | I am busy cooking yesterday. | I was busy cooking yesterday. |
| Forgetting “was/were” | I busy studying. | I was busy studying. |
| Using “to” before verb | I was busy to finish my work. | I was busy finishing my work. |
| Wrong subject verb form | They was busy working. | They were busy working. |
➤ Examples
- I was busy cleaning my room when you called me.
- She was busy talking to her manager.
- We were busy preparing for the meeting.
- He was busy fixing his bike yesterday evening.
- They were busy decorating the house for the party.
- I was busy driving, so I couldn’t reply.
- My mother was busy cooking dinner at that time.
- I was busy studying for my English test last night.
- He was busy watching a movie.
- We were busy planning our trip.
➤ Practice Examples
A. Fill in the blanks
- I was busy ______ (write) an email.
- She was busy ______ (cook) dinner.
- They were busy ______ (prepare) for the exam.
- We were busy ______ (clean) the office.
- He was busy ______ (talk) on the phone.
B. Change the incorrect sentence to correct one
- I was busy do my homework.
- She busy studying yesterday.
- They was busy playing.
- I am busy working last night.
- He was busy to complete the project.
C. Speak this sentence aloud
- I was busy finishing my work.
- I was busy helping my friend.
- I was busy learning English.
- We were busy organizing the event.
- She was busy making breakfast.
