small business

USAGE SUMMARY

"small business" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to larger and smaller companies, for example, "The government has recently implemented plans to help small businesses succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I'm a small business".

The New York Times

Also small business.

The New Yorker

Small Business.

The New York Times

Own a small business?

The New York Times

Labour looks after small business".

Independent

Small business owners needed help.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Small-business owners react.

The New York Times

Small-business confidence improves.

The New York Times

Small-business lending rises.

The New York Times

Small-business borrowing surges.

The New York Times

Why small-business finance?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize community involvement, refer to "small business" as a cornerstone of local economies.

Common error

Avoid using "small business" as a catch-all for all businesses. Be specific about the size, industry, and stage of development to provide accurate context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small business" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it in contexts discussing economic policies, job creation, and community impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science & Research

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small business" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to privately-owned enterprises with limited scale. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts, particularly within News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While versatile, it's essential to use the term accurately, specifying the business's characteristics for precise communication. Alternatives include "independent enterprise" or "micro-business", depending on the context. Ludwig examples highlight its significance in discussions about economic development and community impact, making it a key term in business and policy discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

micro-business

Highlights the very small scale and limited resources of the business.

independent enterprise

Focuses on the autonomy and self-governance aspect of the business.

entrepreneurial endeavor

Focuses on the entrepreneurial aspect, emphasizing innovation and risk-taking.

mom and pop shop

Emphasizes the family-owned and operated nature of the business.

family-run business

Highlights the family involvement in the operation and management of the business.

self-employment venture

Stresses the individual's role in creating and managing their own employment.

sole proprietorship

Highlights the single-owner structure and liability.

start-up company

Refers to a newly established business, often with innovative ideas.

private firm

Highlights the ownership structure, indicating it is not publicly traded.

localized business

Emphasizes the geographical scope of operation, indicating a focus on the local market.

FAQs

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

You can use "small business" to describe enterprises with limited employees and revenue, such as, "The government offers support programs for "small business" owners".

What are some alternatives to "small business"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "independent enterprise", "micro-business", or "family-run business".

What differentiates a "small business" from a large corporation?

While a "small business" typically has fewer employees and lower revenue, a large corporation has extensive resources, a complex organizational structure, and often operates on a global scale.

Is it correct to use "small business" as a general term for all types of businesses?

While commonly used, "small business" is not a precise term for every enterprise. It's more accurate to specify the type and size of the business for clarity.