hell of a business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hell of a business" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the significance or intensity of a business, often in a colloquial or informal context. Example: "Starting a new tech startup is a hell of a business, requiring dedication and resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's a hell of a business giving a funeral for a 14-year-old".

The New York Times

"I remember when interest rates were 16percentt and we were doing a hell of a business".

The New York Times

This is a hell of a business: artists, of a certain name and marketing finesse, can essentially print money.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You could run a hell of a business just on what the Bells spend on golf tournaments," says Wayne Perry, who worked with Mr McCaw to build McCaw Cellular, a giant mobile business now owned by AT&T.

The Economist

DeWolfe may be eccentric but he's also clearly one hell of a business man and entrepreneur.

TechCrunch

That said, everyone agreed that Slack is one hell of a business.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it remains "a hell of a tough business", says Jack Blum, a lawyer in the field.

The Economist

And one hell of a stupid business model.

TechCrunch

The MVNO game is one hell of a risky business, but it seems like no one told the folks at Simple Mobile that.

TechCrunch

Still, the businessman in me has to think that drafting someone with a checkered background, and devoting guaranteed money to him, is one hell of a risky business move.

Huffington Post

"They did a hell of a job".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more formal alternatives like "challenging endeavor" in professional or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hell of a business" in formal reports or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hell of a business" functions as an intensifier combined with a noun. It emphasizes the difficulty, complexity, or impressiveness of a business. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both positive and negative aspects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

TechCrunch

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hell of a business" is an informal expression used to emphasize the challenging or impressive nature of a business. While grammatically correct and usable, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be replaced with more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to express strong opinions or feelings about business ventures, often conveying admiration or frustration. The phrase appears mainly in News & Media. When writing, avoid overusing it in formal reports and presentations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough business

Emphasizes the resilience and perseverance required to succeed.

challenging business

Focuses on the difficulties and obstacles involved in the business.

remarkable enterprise

Highlights the notable and exceptional qualities of the business.

demanding operation

Focuses on the high level of effort and resources required.

difficult business

Highlights the demanding and arduous aspects of the business.

risky endeavor

Emphasizes the potential for failure and the uncertainties involved.

formidable venture

Stresses the significant challenges and potential risks involved.

complex undertaking

Underscores the intricate and multifaceted nature of the business.

competitive market

Highlights the intense rivalry and pressure from competitors.

lucrative industry

Focuses on the potential for high profits and financial rewards.

FAQs

How can I use "hell of a business" in a sentence?

You can use "hell of a business" to emphasize how challenging or remarkable a business is. For example, "Starting a restaurant is a "hell of a business", requiring long hours and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "hell of a business"?

Alternatives include "challenging business", "difficult business", or "tough business". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "hell of a business"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, conversations with colleagues you know well, or in creative writing. Avoid using it in formal business reports or academic papers.

Is "hell of a business" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hell of a business" is grammatically correct, although it's considered an informal expression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.