lines of business

USAGE SUMMARY

"lines of business" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this term to refer to an area of activity that an organization is engaged in, for example, "Our company has three lines of business: retail, manufacturing and finance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They start new lines of business.

Harvard Business Review

Could you discuss your general lines of business?

Princeton University

It would exercise authority over any new lines of business.

The New York Times

And there are whole new lines of business.

The New York Times

"Now my responsibilities cross many lines of business," he said.

The New York Times

So why doesn't it link the two lines of business?

The New York Times

They have simply moved into other lines of business.

The Economist

The other is the allocation of economic capital into different lines of business.

Systems Engineering Procedia

Competition in the mature lines of business especially requires continuous productivity improvements.

International Journal of Production Economics

Rather, it is a foundational technology that can help existing lines of business and create new products or lines of business.

Harvard Business Review

Before new lines of business are developed, professional marketing studies are even commissioned in some cases.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lines of business" to differentiate between various operational areas within a company, especially when explaining financial performance or strategic changes.

Common error

Avoid using "lines of business" when you actually mean business processes. "Lines of business" refers to the what (areas of activity), while business processes refer to the how (the steps taken to perform activities).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines of business" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes the specific sectors or activities in which a company operates. Ludwig's examples show it being used to discuss expansion, diversification, and profitability within different business areas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lines of business" is a common and correct way to refer to the distinct areas of activity a company engages in. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news, media, formal business contexts and in academic writing. To use it effectively, remember that it refers to the what (the areas of activity) and should not be confused with business processes (the how). Alternatives include "business segments" and "service offerings", which can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding the subtle differences between "lines of business" and related terms like "business units" will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

business segments

Focuses on the distinct parts of a company's overall business.

business divisions

Emphasizes the organizational structure of the business.

service offerings

Highlights the services a company provides.

product categories

Focuses on the different types of products a company sells.

market sectors

Refers to the specific markets a company operates in.

areas of specialization

Highlights the specific areas of expertise within the business.

fields of activity

A more general way to describe a company's business areas.

commercial activities

Emphasizes the business's commercial endeavors.

core competencies

Focuses on the essential skills and capabilities of the business.

operational units

Describes the different units involved in the company's operations.

FAQs

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

You can use "lines of business" to describe the different sectors or areas a company operates in. For example, "The company is expanding its "lines of business" into renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "lines of business"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "business segments", "business divisions", or "service offerings".

What is the difference between "lines of business" and "business units"?

"Lines of business" generally refers to the types of products or services a company offers, while "business units" describes the organizational structure responsible for those offerings. They are related but not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "lines of business" in formal writing?

"Lines of business" is suitable for formal writing when discussing a company's structure, strategy, or financial performance. It provides a clear and concise way to refer to the different areas of operation.