a business which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a business which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a specific type of business or providing additional information about a business. Example: "We are looking for a business which specializes in eco-friendly products to partner with for our new initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A business which doesn't sell you anything.

The Guardian

In 1918, he engaged in a business which proved unsuccessful.

Cornell University

Now, he said, malicious hacking is becoming a business, which "brings it to the next level".

The New York Times

"We're in a business which is intimately connected to environmental issues," says chief excutive Philip Green.

The Guardian

A business which cares for and contributes to the common good!

The Guardian

The interview asked for income from a business, which was duly listed.

The New York Times

"Jonathan and I have started a business which we now own," Mr. Demby told the audience.

The New York Times

"Michel has a business which, by being on Masterchef, he is already advertising.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And so we will build a business which protects the financial fundamentals.

The New York Times

Art has become a business, which appears to serve only the needs of the art market.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We want to work in a business which is open, transparent, fair and honest," he wrote.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a business which", ensure the "which" clause provides essential information that clarifies the type or nature of the business you're discussing. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "which" if the clause is nonrestrictive (adds extra information but isn't essential for identifying the noun). While "that" is acceptable in some contexts, "which" is generally preferred for nonrestrictive clauses, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a business which" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause. It serves to specify or elaborate on a particular type of business. As Ludwig AI suggests, the relative clause provides additional information about the business, modifying the noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a business which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase introduces a relative clause that adds descriptive details about a business. While versatile, it's essential to use "which" appropriately to ensure clarity and avoid grammatical errors, especially distinguishing it from "that" in restrictive versus nonrestrictive clauses. Alternatives such as "a company that" can provide more concise options. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its acceptability and utility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a company that

Replaces "business which" with "company that", a simpler and more direct construction.

a firm that

Substitutes "business" for "firm", providing a slightly more formal tone.

an enterprise that

Uses "enterprise" instead of "business", suggesting a larger or more ambitious undertaking.

a venture that

Replaces "business" with "venture", highlighting the risk and potential reward aspects.

a business that specializes in

Adds specificity by focusing on the area of expertise of the business.

a business known for

Shifts the focus to the reputation or distinguishing characteristics of the business.

a business with

Focuses on attributes or characteristics the business possesses.

a business that provides

Highlights the services or products offered by the business.

a commercial entity that

Replaces "business" with a more formal and legal term, "commercial entity".

an organization that

Uses "organization" instead of "business", broadening the scope to include non-profit entities.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a business which"?

You can use alternatives like "a company that", "a firm that", or "an enterprise that" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a business which"?

Yes, "a business which" is grammatically correct. The word "which" introduces a relative clause that provides additional information about the business.

When should I use "a business which" instead of "a business that"?

While both are often interchangeable, "which" is typically used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses (extra information), whereas "that" is used for restrictive clauses (essential information). However, in practice, "which" is commonly used in both contexts, especially in formal writing.

How can I make my sentences with "a business which" more concise?

To make your sentences more concise, consider rephrasing using alternatives like "a company that" or restructuring the sentence to eliminate the relative clause altogether.