Are you trying to find the best way to describe a lot of noise in one place?
Perhaps you’re worried that “hustle and bustle” is a bit too informal or rude for some situations.
Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn more.
This article will teach you how to say “hustle and bustle” in different situations.
Other Ways to Say “Hustle and Bustle”
- Commotion
- Hubbub
- Frantic activity
- Stir
- Frenzied movement
- Agitation
- Hectic pace
- Hurly-burly
- Rush
- Busyness
- Bustling energy
- Animated activity
- Stirring
- Excitement
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Hustle and bustle” works well to informally describe a noisy activity or group of people in an area
- “Commotion” is a good formal alternative that shows you a different way to explain that something is loud.
- “Hubbub” is an excellent informal synonym if you’re looking for something a bit unique.
Of course, you should keep reading to learn different ways to say “hustle and bustle.” We’ve explained more about the best formal and informal alternatives to help you.
You can also read the last section to learn if “hustle and bustle” is correct. Then, you’ll know whether it’s something you should include in your writing.
Commotion (Formal)
You can use “commotion” as a professional way to say “hustle and bustle.”
As formal synonyms go, this works really well because it shows that there is a lot of noise happening at once.
It’s also clear and direct. After all, it’s one word, and most people know what it means.
Since it’s a formal way to say “hustle and bustle,” you’ll have a lot of luck using this in an email.
You can review this email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Patrick,
There was quite a commotion outside of the store today.
I’d like you to open the doors slightly earlier tomorrow to prevent that from happening.
Best regards,
Daniel Jenkins
Of course, you don’t just have to use this in emails.
It also works when writing an essay. It’s a good choice because it shows that you’re describing a lot of noise or chaos happening at the same time.
Here’s a helpful example to show you more about how to use it:
They created a commotion quickly, so we had to do something to tune it down. We didn’t know what to expect, though.
Hubbub (Informal)
You can also use “hubbub” as another way to say “hustle and bustle.” This time, it’s a bit more informal and friendly.
This is a fun and light-hearted word to include in your writing. For the most part, it’s a great way to entertain readers and let them know that a lot of things are happening at once.
For instance, you can use it when writing to a coworker about customers. It shows they’re creating a stir about a product you might be releasing soon.
So, this email example should help you to understand it better:
Hey Melissa,
Have you noticed they’re creating a hubbub over this?
I had no idea they were taking it so seriously, but it’s great!
Best,
Joey Carpenter
You can also use it when texting friends. It’s a fun way to talk about the noise of an event you might have gone to with them.
Also, this message sample should help you to understand it better:
There was quite the hubbub at the party, wasn’t there? I didn’t realize so many people would attend!
Is It Correct to Say “Hustle and Bustle”?
It is correct to say “hustle and bustle.” However, it is an informal phrase, so you need to pay attention to that.
For that reason, you shouldn’t use it in an email. It can’t be used professionally because it refers to the noise of a crowd or situation in a more informal setting.
Nevertheless, you can refer to these examples to learn how to use “hustle and bustle” in a sentence:
They couldn’t hear much over the hustle and bustle. So, it was clear they needed to move to a new location.
The hustle and bustle of the city is why most people come here. It’s one of the most lively places in this corner of the world.
You should remember that it is not an idiom. Instead, it’s a colloquial saying that shows a lot of noise is happening at once.
Also, make sure you don’t full for the simple trap of hyphenating the phrase! It’s never correct to hyphenate “hustle and bustle.”
For instance:
- Correct: We enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city.
- Incorrect: We enjoy the hustle-and-bustle of the big city.
As long as you avoid hyphenating it, it’s good to include it in your writing. Again, it’s informal, so it’s probably best to use it creatively (like in a novel or informal essay).
You should also bookmark this page before you leave! Then, you can remind yourself of the best phrases to replace “hustle and bustle” when you want to mix things up.