a going concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a going concern' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a business that is operating profitably and is expected to continue to do so in the future. For example, "This company has been a going concern for over 20 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is still a going concern.

The New Yorker

He said he thought One.Tel could remain a going concern.

The New York Times

At default time, rival projects (continuation, piecemeal liquidation, liquidation as a going concern …) may be undertaken.

International Review of Law and Economics

But in strong hands, G.M. could be a going concern.

The New York Times

Whatever contracts needed for a company to be a going concern must be maintained.

Columbia University

Money is a going concern for many of these giddy heads.

The New Yorker

Tells about the men who have made a going concern reproducing the Hitchcock chair.

The New Yorker

It couldn't remain a going concern because creditors and customers no longer trusted it.

The New Yorker

"I thought, 'This is not a going concern.' I just wasn't ready".

The New York Times

The bank is recapitalised as a going concern and later sold.

The Economist

The club had previously announced it needs £8m to continue as a going concern throughout 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's financial health, use "a going concern" to emphasize its ability to continue operating in the foreseeable future.

Common error

Avoid assuming "a going concern" means a business is permanently successful. It only reflects the current assessment of its ability to continue operating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a going concern" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the status of a business or organization, indicating its operational viability and expected continuation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a going concern" is a widely used phrase that describes a business or organization expected to continue operating in the foreseeable future. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in business, finance, and news contexts. The phrase's primary function is to communicate the assessment of an entity's financial health and operational viability. When using this phrase, it is important to understand that it reflects a current assessment rather than a guarantee of permanent success. Alternatives such as "viable business" or "profitable enterprise" can be used depending on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

viable business

Focuses on the business's capacity to survive and succeed.

profitable enterprise

Highlights the profitability and active nature of the business.

operational entity

Emphasizes that the entity is currently functioning and in operation.

thriving concern

Implies active growth and success of a business or entity.

solvent company

Indicates the company's ability to meet its financial obligations and continue operating.

flourishing business

Suggests that the business is not only operating but also thriving and growing.

successful venture

Points to the prosperity and achievements of a business endeavor.

sustainable operation

Implies long-term viability and the ability to maintain operations over time.

active organization

Focuses on the organization's current state of activity and function.

functioning establishment

Highlights that the establishment is up and running.

FAQs

How is "a going concern" used in accounting?

In accounting, the "going concern" assumption means a business is expected to operate for the foreseeable future, influencing how assets and liabilities are valued.

What happens if a company is not considered "a going concern"?

If a company isn't considered "a going concern", it may face liquidation, where assets are sold to pay off debts, and operations cease.

What are some signs that a business might not be "a going concern"?

Signs include consistent losses, high debt, inability to pay creditors, and a lack of new investment. These factors can threaten the company's ability to operate.

What is an alternative to saying something is "a going concern"?

Depending on the context, you could say it is a "viable business", a "profitable enterprise" or a "sustainable operation".