do business

USAGE SUMMARY

"do business" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about conducting or engaging in commercial or financial activities. For example: "The two companies agreed to do business together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Governments don't do business, people do business".

The Guardian

We can do business together.

The New York Times

He wanted to do business.

The New Yorker

"We can't do business".

The New York Times

You should do business.

The New York Times

We can do business.

The New York Times

I can do business.

The New York Times

"France wants to do business in Russia".

The New York Times

We do business everywhere in the world.

The New York Times

By this he means do business.

The New Yorker

"He was there to do business".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions with another company, specify the area in which you "do business". For instance, "We do business in the European market" is more specific than simply stating "We do business".

Common error

While common, repeatedly using "do business" can sound generic. Vary your language with synonyms like "conduct transactions" or "engage in commerce" for a more nuanced and engaging description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do business" functions as a verb phrase indicating engagement in commercial or economic activities. It is used to describe the act of conducting trade, transactions, or other business-related dealings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do business" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing commercial activities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It generally functions as a verb phrase suitable for various contexts, especially in news, formal business settings, and even science. The phrase is grammatically correct and broadly understood, although varying your language with synonyms can enhance communication. Remember to specify the scope of your business activities for clarity and avoid overuse to maintain engagement. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, cementing its place in professional and everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct transactions

Focuses on the specific act of carrying out business deals.

engage in commerce

Highlights the broader involvement in trade and economic activities.

transact with

Emphasizes the interaction and dealings with other parties.

enter into an agreement

Implies a formal arrangement or contract for business purposes.

foster trade

Suggests promoting and nurturing commercial exchanges.

pursue commercial ventures

Highlights the active pursuit of business opportunities.

maintain commercial ties

Focuses on preserving existing business relationships.

cultivate business

Implies careful development and growth of commercial activities.

handle operations

Deals more with the day-to-day management and execution of business tasks.

procure deals

Focuses on obtaining specific business agreements or contracts.

FAQs

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

You can use "do business" to describe engaging in commercial or financial activities. For example, "Our company aims to "do business" internationally".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "do business"?

Alternatives include "engage in commerce", "conduct transactions", or "transact with", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "doing business" instead of "do business"?

Yes, "doing business" is a valid gerund form. For example, "Doing business in a new market requires thorough research".

What's the difference between "do business" and "make a deal"?

"Do business" refers to an ongoing commercial relationship or activity. "Make a deal" is more specific, referring to the completion of a single transaction or agreement.