function as a business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a business" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the role or operation of an entity in a business context. Example: "Our nonprofit organization aims to function as a business by generating revenue through various services while still fulfilling our mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But in order to function as a business, she seems to have realised that Goop has to widen its appeal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Todd Oldham Studio, for which Linda continues to function as a business partner, was reorganized to become a multifaceted design company, developing home furnishings for clients like Target.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although USPS is expected to function as a business, it is in the peculiar position of needing to win Congress’s approval for changes to its strategy.

The Economist

That said, the "Dubai dream" was always dependent on attracting outside capital, so in the current climate Dubai will continue to serve its traditional regional function as a business and leisure hub, while its "global vision" will have to take a back seat until the world economy picks up again.

The Guardian - Opinion

The club is currently unable to function as a business following the resignation of director Peter Miller.

BBC

How exactly food bloggers make a living has long felt like a mystery, but thanks to the Ostroms we can see precisely how they function as a business.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Supreme Court has held that transportation agencies, which function in part as a business, can exert some limited control over the advertisements they run and can even ban whole categories of advertising.

The New York Times

When a university functions as a business, we rob a public trust and debase the country's intellectual assets.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is on the success or failure of the digital adventure, on whether it functions as a business, that her own success or failure will be measured.

Independent

Oral presentations are a core component of many business English courses and yet they have been the subject of surprisingly little research in contexts where English functions as a business lingua franca.

English for Specific Purposes

Operations performance metrics is a term used when organizations manage marketing functions as a business.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function as a business", ensure the context clearly indicates that the entity or activity is intended to operate with business-like efficiency, profitability, or sustainability.

Common error

Avoid using "function as a business" when describing non-profit or public sector activities without clearly specifying that the aim is to achieve operational efficiency, not necessarily to generate profit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a business" acts as a verb phrase. It describes how an entity operates or is intended to operate, emphasizing a business-like approach. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase being correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "function as a business" is grammatically correct and describes an entity operating with business-like principles. As indicated by Ludwig, this term is usable in written English. It's most common in news and business contexts, referring to efficiency, revenue, and sustainability. Alternatives include "operate as a business", "work as a business", and "serve as a business". When using this phrase, ensure the context reflects intentions of a proper activity. The best use cases appear when describing the transformation of an entity into a fully working company.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operate as a business

Focuses more directly on the act of operating and managing a business.

work as a business

Emphasizes the practical aspect of conducting business activities.

act as a business

Highlights behaving or performing in a business-oriented way.

serve as a business

Implies a role or purpose that is aligned with business objectives.

run as a business

Suggests managing and controlling operations like a business.

perform as a business

Focuses on achieving business outcomes and results.

behave as a business

Highlights the conduct and practices aligned with business norms.

compete as a business

Emphasizes engagement in competitive business practices.

commercialize operations

Refers to transforming activities or functions into commercial ventures.

monetize activities

Highlights converting activities into revenue-generating opportunities.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "function as a business"?

When something "functions as a business", it means it operates with the same principles and goals as a typical commercial enterprise, focusing on efficiency, revenue generation, and sustainability. This can apply to various entities, not just traditional businesses.

What can I say instead of "function as a business"?

You can use alternatives like "operate as a business", "work as a business", or "serve as a business" depending on the specific context.

How does "function as a business" differ from simply "being a business"?

"Being a business" implies a formal structure and legal registration as a commercial entity. "Function as a business" suggests adopting business practices and strategies, even if the entity isn't formally structured as such.

Is it appropriate for non-profit organizations to "function as a business"?

Yes, many non-profit organizations strive to "function as a business" to ensure financial stability and operational efficiency. This doesn't mean they abandon their mission but rather adopt sound management practices to achieve their goals more effectively.