Can I say: "I've been so busy" here?

[Enlearnercn]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Common English Errors (1)", question 7

I've so busy — I hope you'll ......... my messy office space.

(a) forgive
(b) absolve
(c) excuse
(d) acquit

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Common English Errors (1)", answer 7

I've so busy — I hope you'll excuse my messy office space.

Correct answer: (c) excuse

Your answer was: incorrect
I've so busy — I hope you'll forgive my messy office space.
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Dear Sir,

Can I say" I've been so busy "here?

Thanks in advance.

Enlearnercn

[Linda]

Hello,
Yes, you're absolutely right. It should be I've been so busy. That is a typing mistake that I'll fix right away.
As far as your answer goes, if you'd like an explanantion, here it is.
For something small or of no great importance - such as a messy office - using a word like "forgive" is a little too strong. "Excuse" is much better and suitable.
If you're talking about something more serious - like forgetting your wife's birthday, then "forgive" is more suitable.
I hope that helps and thanks for pointing out the error.
Linda

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One Way of Learning English Grammar
Learn English with Linda Arlia