How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

I'm busy, not ignoring you

You haven't answered someone for a while and they might think you don't care. A quick line tells them you're just busy.

5 ways to say it

Jo cooks dinner while her son tugs her shirt; a heart with loading dots floats up from her phone on the counter.

How warmBriefWarm

I've been swampedbest default I'll reply properly laterholding reply It's been a crazy weekfriendly reason I haven't forgotten about youreassuring I'm not ignoring you, I promiseextra warm

Way 1 · best default

I've been swamped

You've had too much to do. A clear reason that works with anyone.

How warmBrief

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry, I've been swamped this week. How are you?

I've been swamped with exams, but I'm free on Saturday.

In a conversation

A: Haven't heard from you in ages!
B: I know, sorry. I've been swamped at work.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I'm very busy so I can't reply you.~~

Say: Sorry, I've been swamped.

That sounds like a door closing. Say sorry, give the reason, and leave the door open.

Practice saying this

Next: I'll reply properly later

Way 2 · holding reply

I'll reply properly later

A quick text to show you've seen it and will answer when you can.

How warmVery brief

ToneCasual

Use itIn messages

Examples

Saw this! I'll reply properly later, just driving.

Love this. I'll reply properly later tonight.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I will~~ reply ~~you~~ later.

Say: I'll reply properly later.

You reply TO someone, so drop "you" or say "reply to you". "Properly" shows you care.

Practice saying this

Next: It's been a crazy week

Way 3 · friendly reason

It's been a crazy week

A friendly, relatable reason. Most people have had weeks like that.

How warmMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Sorry for the silence, it's been a crazy week.

It's been a crazy week with the move, but let's catch up soon.

In a conversation

A: Did you get my voice message?
B: I did, sorry. It's been a crazy week. Call you tonight?

Practice saying this

Next: I haven't forgotten about you

Way 4 · reassuring

I haven't forgotten about you

Tells them they still matter, even though you've been quiet.

How warmWarm

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I haven't forgotten about you! I'll send the photos tonight.

Just so you know, I haven't forgotten about your question.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm not ignoring you, I promise

Way 5 · extra warm

I'm not ignoring you, I promise

For a close friend who might feel hurt. Warm and personal.

How warmVery warm

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

I'm not ignoring you, I promise! Work's just been mad.

I'm not ignoring you, I promise. Can I ring you at the weekend?

In a conversation

A: You've been really quiet. Are we OK?
B: Of course! I'm not ignoring you, I promise.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I've been swamped I'll reply properly later It's been a crazy week I haven't forgotten about you

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

More moments like this