a big business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large company or enterprise, often in discussions about economics, industry, or corporate matters. Example: "The merger between the two companies created a big business that dominated the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a big business deal they made.

University of Chicago

It's a big business.

The New York Times

This is a big business".

The New York Times

"It's a big business, sure.

Independent

It is a big business.

The New York Times

And a big business.

The New York Times

And a big business it is.

The New York Times

Then fashion became a big business.

The New York Times

This helps us build a big business.

The New York Times

But soft drinks remain a big business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a big-business salary".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big business" when you want to emphasize the scale, revenue, or overall impact of a company or industry without necessarily specifying exact figures or metrics. It's a general term suitable for a broad audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a big business" in highly formal or technical writing where precise data or metrics would be more appropriate. Instead, use specific figures (revenue, market share) or more formal terms like "large corporation" or "major enterprise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big business" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It serves to categorize or describe a company or industry based on its size, scale, and influence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big business" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe a large, influential company or industry. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "a large enterprise" or "a major corporation" can offer a more formal tone. When using "a big business", emphasize the scale, revenue, or impact of the entity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large enterprise

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the business, focusing on its organizational structure and activities.

a major corporation

Highlights the corporate structure and significant influence of the business.

a substantial company

Focuses on the considerable size and resources of the business.

an important industry

Shifts the focus to the industry as a whole, emphasizing its significance.

a significant player

Indicates that the business has a notable role and impact within its market.

a leading firm

Suggests that the business is at the forefront of its industry and setting trends.

a powerful organization

Highlights the influence and authority wielded by the business.

a global enterprise

Stresses the international reach and operations of the business.

a dominant force

Emphasizes the business's control and influence within its market.

a commercial powerhouse

Implies significant financial strength and market presence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big business" to describe a company or industry that is large, successful, and influential. For example, "The tech industry has become "a big business" in recent years".

What are some alternatives to saying "a big business"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a large enterprise", "a major corporation", or "a substantial company", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big business" in formal writing?

While "a big business" is generally acceptable, it may be too informal for some formal writing contexts. In those cases, consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "a leading firm" or "a global enterprise".

What distinguishes "a big business" from "a small business"?

"A big business" typically refers to a company with significant revenue, numerous employees, and a large market share. In contrast, "a small business" usually has lower revenue, fewer employees, and a smaller market presence.