an existing business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an existing business" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a business that is already established and operating, as opposed to a new or startup business. Example: "The bank offers loans specifically designed for an existing business looking to expand its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We carry them because we have an existing business.

The New York Times

Still many deals tend to be "bolt-on acquisitions" that add incrementally to an existing business.

The New York Times

"We're not trying to fit into an existing business model," Brin said.

The New Yorker

If they run an existing business and get moderately rich, that is all wrong.

Independent

The companies they intend to finance, by contrast, will already have an existing business in place.

The New York Times

Scale an existing business and help take it to the next stage.

Columbia University

What's one of the challenges to successful management or process innovation in an existing business?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Will Richardson sell to an existing business partner committed to keeping the team in Charlotte?

The Washington Post

That requires overcoming the fear that a new product or channel will cannibalize an existing business.

Harvard Business Review

Some would be happy to make less on the new company in order not to risk an existing business.

The New York Times

Taking over an existing business is always the best bet; failed entrepreneurs prefer to start from scratch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing business acquisitions or expansions, use "an existing business" to clearly differentiate from startups or ventures in the planning stage.

Common error

Avoid using "an existing business" interchangeably with "an established business" without considering the specific nuance you want to convey. While similar, "established" emphasizes longevity and reputation, while "existing" simply denotes current operation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an existing business" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'existing' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'business'. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing established enterprises. It clearly identifies a business that is already in operation, differentiating it from startups or planned ventures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an existing business" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to identify a company already in operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of its specific meaning—denoting operational status rather than necessarily implying longevity or success. Alternatives such as "an established business" or "a going concern" can be used to convey related but slightly different nuances. Remember that clarity and precision are crucial when discussing business matters, and using "an existing business" effectively contributes to that goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an established business

Replaces 'existing' with 'established', emphasizing the business's long-term presence.

an ongoing business

Focuses on the continuous operation of the business, rather than its mere existence.

a current business

Highlights the present state of the business.

a going concern

Uses a business term indicating a business that is operating and expected to continue to do so.

an operating business

Emphasizes that the business is actively running.

a functioning business

Focuses on the business's ability to operate correctly.

a running business

Similar to 'operating', highlighting the business's active status.

a pre-existing business

Adds emphasis on the business having existed before a certain point.

a continuing business

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the business's operations.

a business in operation

Highlights the active status of the business in a more descriptive way.

FAQs

How can I use "an existing business" in a sentence?

You can use "an existing business" to refer to a company that is already operating, such as, "The loan is designed to help "an existing business" expand its operations".

What are some alternatives to saying "an existing business"?

Alternatives include "an established business", "an ongoing business", or "a current business", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "already existing business"?

Yes, saying "already existing business" is generally considered redundant since the term "existing" implies that something already exists. "An existing business" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "an existing business" and "a startup"?

"An existing business" refers to a company that is already operational, whereas "a startup" refers to a new business venture that is just beginning its operations.