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Meaning & use

keep busy

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌkiːp ˈbɪzi/
US/ˌkiːp ˈbɪzi/

Meanings

  1. phrasetransitive

    to give someone things to do so they are not bored or idle

    Grammar: Takes an object: keep the kids busy. The object comes between 'keep' and 'busy'.

    Patterns

    • keep someone busy
    • keep yourself busy
    • keep someone busy with something

    The teacher kept the class busy with a quiz while she marked papers.

    Volunteering at the shelter keeps him busy on weekends.

    Can you keep the children busy while I cook dinner?

  2. phraseintransitive

    to stay active or occupied, especially to avoid boredom or worry

    Grammar: No object; often used as 'keep busy' or 'keep yourself busy'. 'Stay busy' is a common alternative.

    Patterns

    • keep busy
    • keep busy doing something
    • keep yourself busy

    After retirement, she keeps busy by gardening and painting.

    I keep busy at work so I don't think about the news.

    He kept busy during the flight by reading a novel.

Common combinations

keep someone busy
The new puppy keeps us busy all day.
keep busy with something
She keeps busy with her online course.
keep busy doing something
They kept busy cleaning the house before guests arrived.
stay busy
He likes to stay busy even on holidays.
keep yourself busy
Try to keep yourself busy while you wait.

Synonyms and how they differ

occupy
More formal; often used as 'occupy someone' or 'occupy yourself', and can also mean to live in or fill a place.
engage
Suggests actively involving someone's interest or attention, not just filling time.
amuse
Focuses on entertaining someone so they are not bored, whereas 'keep busy' focuses on giving them tasks or activity.

Opposites

boreidle

Word family

busy adjective
Having a lot to do; the base adjective in this phrase.
busily adverb
In a busy, active way.
busyness noun
The state of being busy; note the spelling with 'y' before '-ness'.

Commonly confused: keep busy or keep busy vs. stay busy?

keep busy vs keep busy vs. stay busy

'Keep busy' often means you make someone else busy, while 'stay busy' means you remain busy yourself. 'Keep busy' can also mean this, but 'stay busy' is clearer when there is no object.

Practice

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