in business

USAGE SUMMARY

"in business" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to economic activities related to the production, buying, and selling of goods and services. For example, "He has been in business for over 10 years and is an experienced entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In business.

The New Yorker

I'm in business.

The Economist

"We're in business".

The New Yorker

"I've worked in business.

The New York Times

(a degree in business).

The Economist

In business and government.

The New Yorker

I was in business.

The New Yorker

"We're not in business.

The New York Times

They're in business.

The New York Times

IN BUSINESS, strategy is king.

The Economist

In business, uncertainty is endemic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in business" to describe a company's status, ensure it clearly conveys whether the company is currently operating, profitable, or simply existing. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, the company is still "in business" and actively seeking new opportunities."

Common error

Avoid using "in business" vaguely. Instead of saying "He's "in business"", specify the industry or type of business for clarity: "He's in the restaurant business" or "He runs a small online business".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in business" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being operational or engaged in commercial activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in business" is a versatile term used to describe the state of being operational or engaged in commercial activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While it's generally safe to use, consider providing additional context to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "operational" or "up and running" can offer more specific meanings depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open for business

Indicates readiness to serve customers or conduct transactions.

in operation

Similar meaning, focusing on the act of operating.

in commerce

Focuses on the general activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale.

up and running

Indicates that something is functioning correctly and actively.

operational

Replaces the phrase with a single adjective indicating a state of being functional or ready for use.

commercially active

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of being "in business".

functioning

Focuses on the state of being able to perform a task or operate normally.

trading

Focuses specifically on the buying and selling aspect of business.

established

Highlights the aspect of being securely founded or well-known in the business world.

at work

Highlights the aspect of active engagement and labor.

FAQs

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

You can use "in business" to describe a company's operational status, as in "The company has been "in business" for over 20 years", or to indicate readiness, such as "We are now "in business" and ready to serve you".

What are some alternatives to saying "in business"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "operational", "up and running", or "in operation" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "in business" or should I use another phrase?

"In business" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its suitability depends on the context, but it is generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings.

What's the difference between "in business" and "open for business"?

"In business" generally describes the state of a company being operational, while "open for business" specifically indicates that a business is ready to serve customers or conduct transactions.