have business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have business' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that one is engaged in some type of business or commercial activity. For example, you could say "The Smiths have business in New York this week".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We still have business.

The New York Times

Do you have business there?

The New York Times

We have business here.

The Guardian

They have business savvy, just lousy lawyers.

The New York Times

They have business in their blood.

The New York Times

They need to have business skills.

The Guardian

"They all have business managers now.

The New York Times - Magazine

Overworking employees can have business costs.

The Guardian - Money

Do you have business in Saudi Arabia?

The New Yorker

"Record companies have business to attend to.

The Washington Post

I have business all over the world.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "have business", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of business or the specific activities involved. For example, specify "have international business" or "have business meetings" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have business" vaguely. Instead of saying "They have business", specify where or what the business entails to prevent ambiguity. For example: "They have business in the tech industry" is clearer than "They have business."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have business" functions as a verb phrase, indicating possession of commercial interests or involvement in commercial activities. Ludwig AI's analysis of example sentences highlights its use across various contexts, ranging from indicating international business dealings to specific transactional activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have business" is a versatile expression used to indicate involvement in commercial activities or possessing a reason related to business. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and academic discussions. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the nature or location of the business being referenced. While alternatives like "conduct business" or "engage in commerce" exist, "have business" remains a common and readily understood phrase in both professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conduct business

Focuses on the act of carrying out business activities.

Transact business

Similar to "conduct business" but more concise.

Engage in commerce

Highlights the commercial aspect and involvement in trade.

Deal with transactions

Emphasizes the handling of financial or business exchanges.

Maintain business operations

Emphasizes the continuity and upkeep of business activities.

Be in operation

Refers to the state of being actively running a business.

Be involved in trade

Focuses on participation in trading activities.

Be commercially active

Stresses the active participation in business and commercial ventures.

Undertake business activities

Formal and highlights the active execution of business tasks.

Handle commercial affairs

Focuses on managing business-related matters.

FAQs

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

You can use "have business" to indicate involvement in commercial activities, such as "We "have business" all over the world" or to express purpose, such as "I "have business" to do, and I'm DOING it".

What are some alternatives to saying "have business"?

Alternatives include "conduct business", "engage in commerce", or "transact business" depending on the context you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "have business" or "do business"?

Both ""have business"" and "do business" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Have business" often refers to possessing commercial interests or responsibilities, while "do business" typically refers to the act of conducting transactions or operations.

What is the difference between "have business" and "have a business"?

"Have business" generally implies dealing with commercial matters, while "have a business" indicates ownership or operation of a specific company or enterprise.