business

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "business" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever referring to the activities or operations of an organization or company, or the field of commercial activity more generally. Example sentence: Her family had been in the restaurant business for generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Too often in the past our rhetoric undermined that positive relationship with business, and with the creation of jobs and wealth for the future.

The Guardian

That's their business".

The New York Times

If you've got a business — you didn't build that.

The New York Times

Business is booming.

The New York Times - Sports

"Business class.

The Guardian

Nazarbayev permitted a relatively high degree of political activity until the emergence of a reform movement called Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan, backed by several wealthy business people, in late 2001.

The Guardian

"My successor will inherit a business with very strong commercial foundations in place.

The Guardian

Ten of McDonald's 13 non-executive directors are from the Chicago business community.

The Guardian - Business

It is understood that Ed Miliband regrets the suggestion was made and does not want the policy dispute between him and the former business secretary to include such allegations.

The Guardian - Money

You can't say that about some of the grey men at the top of British business today.

The Guardian

The role of business in development hub is funded by Business Call to Action.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "business" in a formal context, clearly define the specific aspect you are referring to (e.g., "business strategy", "business ethics", "business development") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "business" as a direct substitute for personal matters in highly informal settings. Alternatives like "stuff", "things", or "concerns" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "business" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a commercial enterprise, trade, or occupation. It can also act as an adjective, as in "business class". As Ludwig shows, "business" serves diverse roles depending on context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "business" is a versatile term functioning primarily as a noun to describe commercial activities, trades, and occupations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While generally neutral to professional, context dictates its specific nuance. To use it effectively, define the aspect clearly in formal settings and avoid substituting it directly for personal matters in informal contexts. Remember alternatives like "enterprise", "commerce", or "trade" can add precision to your writing, enriching it with alternatives when necessary. The word "business" is very common in both "News & Media" and "Formal & Business".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enterprise

Refers to a specific project or undertaking, often commercial.

commerce

Focuses on the exchange of goods or services, emphasizing trade.

trade

Highlights the activity of buying and selling goods or services.

company

Emphasizes the organizational aspect of a commercial entity.

corporation

Implies a larger, more formal business structure.

firm

Often used to denote a professional or service-oriented business.

venture

Suggests a new or risky business undertaking.

occupation

Highlights the employment or professional activity of an individual.

affairs

Refers to matters or activities, often of a personal or private nature.

dealings

Emphasizes interactions and transactions with others.

FAQs

How can I use "business" in a sentence?

You can use "business" to refer to a specific commercial enterprise, a person's occupation, or commercial activity in general. For example, "She runs a successful online business" or "He is traveling to New York on business".

What's the difference between "business" and "enterprise"?

"Business" is a broader term encompassing any commercial activity, while "enterprise" often refers to a specific project or undertaking within the "business".

What can I say instead of "business"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "company", "firm", "enterprise", or "trade".

Is it correct to say "do business with" or "make business with"?

The correct phrase is "do business with". The phrase "make business with" is not standard English.