a commercial venture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a commercial venture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a business activity or project that is intended to generate profit. Example: "The startup is launching a new product as part of a commercial venture aimed at expanding its market reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was not a commercial venture.

The New York Times

Soon he began pondering a commercial venture.

The New York Times - Food

But this is not a commercial venture at all.

Independent

Fishing has developed rapidly as a commercial venture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We never intended this to be a commercial venture.

The New York Times

"I pretended it was a commercial venture," he said.

The New York Times - Food

His father suggested turning this job-placement scheme into a commercial venture.

The Economist

(The New York production at the Duke, by contrast, is a commercial venture).

The New York Times

"This is intended to be a commercial venture," said Stan Collender, a spokesman for the company.

The New York Times

The event was cancelled at short notice by Commons authorities because it was a commercial venture.

The Guardian

The transformation of Buckhead, strictly a commercial venture, has proved to be less contentious.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new business or project, use "a commercial venture" to clearly indicate its purpose is to generate profit. For example, "The company launched a new app as a commercial venture."

Common error

Avoid using "a commercial venture" to describe activities primarily focused on social good or charitable purposes. Instead, opt for terms like "non-profit initiative" or "community project" to accurately reflect the activity's goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commercial venture" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes a specific type of undertaking: one designed to generate profit. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a commercial venture" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a business activity or project primarily intended to generate profit. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While often neutral in tone, it clearly defines the purpose behind an activity. Consider using alternatives like "a business enterprise" or "a revenue-generating project" for similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Avoid using the phrase to describe non-profit initiatives, ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a business enterprise

Focuses on the organized activity of providing goods or services for profit.

a profit-making activity

Emphasizes the goal of generating profit from the endeavor.

a revenue-generating project

Highlights the aspect of generating income or revenue.

a business undertaking

Stresses the commitment and effort involved in the activity.

an income-producing initiative

Highlights the active role of the endeavor in generating income.

a for-profit enterprise

Directly states the intention to operate for financial gain.

a market-oriented project

Emphasizes the focus on the market and customer needs.

a trade activity

Focuses on the exchange of goods and services.

a mercantile pursuit

Suggests a more traditional or historical context of commercial activity.

a financial endeavor

Highlights the financial aspect and investment involved.

FAQs

How can I use "a commercial venture" in a sentence?

You can use "a commercial venture" to describe any project or business activity intended to generate profit. For example: "The new restaurant is a commercial venture aimed at attracting tourists."

What are some alternatives to saying "a commercial venture"?

You can use alternatives such as "a business enterprise", "a profit-making activity", or "a revenue-generating project" depending on the context.

Is "a commercial venture" appropriate for describing non-profit activities?

No, "a commercial venture" is not appropriate for describing non-profit activities. Use terms like "non-profit initiative" or "charitable project" instead.

What distinguishes "a commercial venture" from a simple hobby?

"A commercial venture" implies a deliberate effort to generate income and profit, while a hobby is typically pursued for personal enjoyment without the primary intention of making money.