business like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "business like" is not correct in standard written English; it should be "businesslike" as a single word.
You can use it to describe a manner or approach that is professional and efficient, typically in a work or corporate context. Example: "Her businesslike demeanor during the meeting impressed the clients and conveyed confidence."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Most likely to say: There's no business like show business.

The Guardian

It is a business like other businesses".

The New York Times

BUSINESS, like society, never stands still.

The Economist

"You don't do business like that".

The New York Times

There's no other business like this.

Independent

Newspapers are a business like no other.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He's meticulous, scientific and business-like.

The New York Times

This is just business-like".

The Guardian

Be business-like about it.

The Guardian - Books

On Sunday, he could finally drop the business-like facade.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our talks were very constructive, business-like and surprisingly frank.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a professional tone, use "businesslike" instead of "business like". "Businesslike" describes a quality or manner, while "business like" may suggest a comparison (e.g., "a business like Amazon").

Common error

Avoid splitting the word "businesslike" into two. "Businesslike" is an adjective that describes something done in a professional and efficient manner. Using "business like" is generally grammatically incorrect unless you are making a comparison to an actual business, for example, "a business like that one."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "business like" functions primarily as an adjective phrase intended to modify a noun, suggesting a similarity to or association with business practices. However, Ludwig AI indicates that splitting the word is often grammatically incorrect and that "businesslike" should be used instead.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "business like" appears frequently in various contexts, it's crucial to understand its proper usage. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the single-word adjective "businesslike" is generally preferred to describe something professional or efficient. "Business like" is only appropriate when making a direct comparison to a business. When aiming to describe a manner or approach, alternatives such as "businesslike approach", "professional manner", or "efficient method" offer greater clarity and grammatical correctness. Understanding this distinction will enhance the precision and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

businesslike approach

Focuses on the manner in which something is done, emphasizing efficiency and professionalism.

professional manner

Highlights the professional aspect of the conduct or approach.

efficient method

Emphasizes the effectiveness and lack of wasted resources in the approach.

corporate style

Suggests a resemblance to the way businesses typically operate.

practical approach

Stresses the focus on results and real-world applicability.

matter-of-fact

Highlights a direct and unemotional approach, similar to how business might be conducted.

structured method

Indicates the presence of a well-defined and organized approach.

organized fashion

Focuses on the systematic and orderly way something is carried out.

methodical way

Emphasizes the systematic and step-by-step nature of the approach.

formal procedure

Highlights the adherence to established protocols and regulations.

FAQs

What does it mean to be businesslike?

To be businesslike means to be efficient, organized, and professional in your approach. It implies a focus on achieving goals and conducting matters in a structured and effective manner.

When should I use "businesslike" vs. "business like"?

Use "businesslike" as an adjective to describe a manner or quality. Use "business like" only when comparing something to a business (e.g., "a "business like that"").

What are some synonyms for businesslike?

Alternatives to businesslike include "professional manner", "efficient method", and "corporate style". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is "business like" always incorrect?

No, "business like" is not always incorrect, but it is rarely used correctly. It is correct when you want to compare the business to another business. For example, 'It was a "business like any other"'.