Were business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Were business" is not correct in English as it lacks context and clarity.
It could potentially be used in a context discussing past business conditions or situations, but it needs additional words to form a complete thought. Example: "Were business practices different back then compared to today?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They were business.

The New Yorker

Most were business passengers.

The New York Times

And then there were business interests, too".

The New York Times

Half the chain's guests were business travelers.

The New York Times - Travel

Indeed, it turns out that the Dead were business pioneers.

The New York Times

"They were business models based on hope," he said.

The New York Times

Chan said that 80% of Blackberry users were business customers.

The Guardian - Tech

But before the Mohns were benefactors, they were business people.

The New York Times

There were business opportunities in conservation as well.

The New Yorker

The rest of the runways were business as usual.

The New York Times

These were business people with traits developed over centuries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "were business", ensure it's part of a complete sentence that specifies what aspects or activities "were business"-related. For example, "The negotiations were business-focused" provides clearer context.

Common error

Avoid using "were business" as a standalone phrase. It needs a subject and context to clarify what is being described in relation to business. Without it, the phrase lacks clear meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were business" functions primarily as part of a verb phrase, often used to describe the nature or focus of activities, discussions, or relationships. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, such as defining business partnerships or describing the purpose of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were business" is commonly used, particularly in news and media, to describe activities or relationships that are commercial in nature. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's often grammatically incomplete and requires further context for clarity. While frequently used, ensure the phrase is part of a complete sentence that clearly specifies what aspects were related to business. For more precise communication, consider alternatives like "business-related" or "focused on business". The high frequency of use in reputable sources suggests the phrase is widely recognized, despite its grammatical limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Business operations were

Focuses on the state or condition of business operations.

Business activities included

Specifies the range of actions taken within a business context.

The business involved

Highlights the specific elements or processes of a business.

Business transactions consisted of

Details the types of exchanges or agreements a business engaged in.

These were commercial enterprises

Identifies entities that were specifically for-profit.

They were entrepreneurial ventures

Emphasizes the innovative and risk-taking aspects of businesses.

The affairs were strictly business

Emphasizes that activities or interactions were conducted solely for professional or commercial purposes, without personal involvement.

The dealings were business-related

Emphasizes that actions or negotiations were connected to business interests or activities.

Matters were purely professional

Emphasizes the focus on work-related or formal interactions, excluding personal or emotional elements.

It was all business

Indicates a complete focus on commercial or professional concerns, with no personal or casual elements involved.

FAQs

How can I use "Were business" in a sentence?

To use "were business" correctly, provide context by specifying what "aspects were business". For example, "The discussions were business-oriented".

What phrases can replace "Were business"?

Alternatives include "focused on business", "business related", or "commercial ventures", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it correct to say just "Were business"?

No, "Were business" is generally incorrect as a standalone phrase. It requires additional words to form a complete thought and clarify the subject being discussed, such as "transactions were business".

What's the difference between "Were business" and "Business-related"?

"Business-related" is an adjective that describes something connected to business, while "Were business" is a verb phrase that suggests activities or items that pertained to commerce. Thus, if you have activities that you want to define as business you should say "the activities were business" but is more elegant to rephrase with "the activities were business-related".