a small business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small business" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a business that is independently owned and operated, typically with a small number of employees and lower revenue than larger corporations. Example: "She decided to start a small business selling handmade crafts online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm a small business".

The New York Times

Own a small business?

The New York Times

I own a small business.

The New York Times

A — Small business.

The New Yorker

The third started a small business.

The New York Times

THIS is how a small business died.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

FedEx introduces a small-business grant competition.

The New York Times

A small-business owner goes on strike.

The New York Times

I am a small-business professional!

The New York Times

Vanguard announces a small-business 401(k).

The New York Times

I'm just a small-business owner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a small business", consider providing context about its specific industry or location to give the reader a clearer understanding of its operations.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements about all small businesses. Their experiences and challenges can vary greatly depending on factors like location, industry, and business model. Always try to be specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small business" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used to describe an independently owned and operated business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small business" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an independently owned and operated enterprise, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used across a wide range of contexts, from news articles and business reports to everyday conversations. While the term is generally neutral, it often carries connotations of local economies and entrepreneurship. While alternatives like "micro-enterprise" or "mom-and-pop shop" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired emphasis. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing when writing about small businesses, as their experiences can vary significantly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a micro-enterprise

Refers to a very small business, often with even fewer employees than a typical small business.

a mom-and-pop shop

Emphasizes the family-owned and operated aspect, typically implying a small scale.

a small-scale operation

Focuses on the limited scope and size of the business's activities.

an independent business

Highlights the autonomy and lack of corporate affiliation.

a privately owned company

Emphasizes ownership structure rather than size.

a self-funded startup

Implies a new business that is financed without external investment.

a local enterprise

Stresses the community-based nature of the business.

a sole proprietorship

Highlights that the business is owned and run by one person.

a boutique business

Suggests a niche market and specialized products or services.

a cottage industry

Implies a home-based business, often involving handmade goods.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small business" to describe a company that is independently owned and operated, and typically has a small number of employees and relatively low revenue. For example, "Starting "a small business" can be challenging but rewarding."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a micro-enterprise", "a mom-and-pop shop", or "an independent business".

Is it correct to say "a small business" or should I use another term?

"A small business" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used term. However, the most appropriate term might depend on the specific type and scale of the business you're describing.

What's the difference between "a small business" and "a large corporation"?

"A small business" typically has fewer employees, lower revenue, and is independently owned and operated, while "a large corporation" is a bigger company with more employees and a more complex organizational structure.