What is the difference between “ I have been busy lately “ and “ I was busy l

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

What is the difference between “ I have been busy lately “ and “ I was busy lately “ ?

2

“I have been busy” implies that the period of busyness extends through the recent past up to the present time.

“I was busy” is referring to a past period of busyness which may have ended.

The word “lately” already tends to imply the former meaning, so I find “I have been busy lately” more harmonious. “I was busy lately” feels slightly mismatched to me. Different speakers may have different opinions about this.

3

I don’t. OK
Me not. ?
Not me. ?

Would you help about this as well!

Thanks

4

I’m not very clear how, if at all, this question relates to the previous one, or to the comment of mine that you quoted. Anyway, “Not me” is OK, but “Me not” is not a valid utterance.

A: “Who wants to work over Christmas?”

B: “I don’t.” - OK
B: “Not me.” - OK
B: “Me not.” - Wrong