businesses like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "businesses like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific types of businesses or giving examples of businesses that share similar characteristics or functions. Example: "There are many businesses like tech startups that focus on innovation and rapid growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Small businesses, like Antonella's, are dying.

The New York Times

They are businesses like no other.

The Guardian

Businesses like BaShiTong can and do fail quickly in China.

The New York Times

After all, immigrants helped start businesses like Google and Yahoo.

The New York Times

Those unfortunate companies tend to be in businesses like retailing.

The New York Times

Gail: I'm sure businesses like the low-regulation environment.

The New York Times

Small businesses like ours might have to cut hours.

The Guardian - Business

Some new businesses like the Burton are scratching by.

The New York Times

Newer businesses like video and cloud computing systems did well.

The New York Times

The company's traditional businesses, like network switching, also grew.

The New York Times - Tech

Some businesses, like Starbucks, pay to have their own filter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "businesses like", follow it with specific examples to provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "businesses like" without providing concrete examples, as it can lead to vagueness and confusion. Ensure your examples clearly illustrate the type of business you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "businesses like" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing examples or instances of businesses that share a common characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically sound. Examples show its use in various contexts to specify the types of businesses being referred to.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "businesses like" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to introduce examples of businesses that share common attributes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to provide clarity and specificity in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and business writing. Alternatives include "companies such as" and "firms similar to". When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear and relevant examples to avoid vagueness. With its widespread applicability and neutral register, "businesses like" remains a versatile tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

companies such as

Replaces "businesses" with "companies", slightly more formal.

firms similar to

Uses "firms" instead of "businesses", suitable for formal contexts.

enterprises such as

Replaces "businesses" with "enterprises", implying larger ventures.

organizations like

Broader term including non-profits and other entities.

establishments like

Focuses on the physical location and operation of a business.

ventures similar to

Highlights the entrepreneurial aspect of the businesses.

operations such as

Emphasizes the functional aspect of the business.

outfits similar to

Informal term, suitable for casual conversation.

agencies such as

Specifically refers to entities providing a service.

services like

Broader comparison of the services offered by a business, rather than the business itself.

FAQs

How can I use "businesses like" in a sentence?

Use "businesses like" to introduce examples that share common characteristics. For instance, "Many tech startups, "businesses like" Google and Facebook, prioritize innovation." Here, the phrase introduces examples of tech startups.

What are some alternatives to using "businesses like"?

You can use alternatives such as "companies such as", "firms similar to", or "organizations like" depending on the formality and specificity you need. For example, use "companies such as" for formal contexts, and "organizations like" for a broader comparison.

Is it correct to say "business like" instead of "businesses like"?

No, it is incorrect. The plural form "businesses" is needed to indicate that you are referring to multiple examples or types of businesses. "Business like" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "businesses like" and "such as"?

"Businesses like" is generally used to introduce examples, similar to "such as". However, "businesses like" specifically refers to businesses, while "such as" can be used for any category. For example, "Professions such as doctors and lawyers require extensive training".