Been busy?

Use it as a greeting or a follow-up after saying hello. You can say it with a rising intonation at the end. It works perfectly when you notice someone looks a bit tired. Or use it when you haven't texted a friend in a week. It invites the other person to share a story. They might talk about a big project or a new hobby. It is a great 'icebreaker' for any chat.

Use it when meeting a friend for coffee. Use it at the office when a colleague walks by. It is great for catching up with neighbors over the fence. Text it to someone you haven't spoken to in a few days. It feels natural at a party when meeting an old acquaintance. It shows you care about their time and effort.

Avoid this in very formal situations, like a job interview. Do not use it if someone is clearly having a crisis. It might sound too casual for a serious apology. Don't say it to a total stranger in an elevator. It requires a small level of previous connection. If you say it to your boss during a firing, it’s bad! Keep it for friendly or neutral social circles.

English speakers love to talk about being busy. In many Western cultures, 'busyness' is seen as a sign of success. We often use this phrase to validate someone's hard work. It is a polite way to acknowledge that life is fast-paced. It also acts as a 'buffer' before asking for a favor. It shows you respect that their time is valuable. It's the ultimate small-talk tool for the modern world.

• Keeping busy? (Focuses on the present moment)
• You been busy? (Slightly more complete but still casual)
• Busy lately? (Focuses on the recent weeks)
• Stayed busy? (Often used after a holiday or break)
• How's the busyness? (A bit more playful or humorous)