small businesses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small businesses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to companies or enterprises that are typically characterized by a limited number of employees and lower revenue compared to larger corporations. Example: "The government has introduced new policies to support small businesses during the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But small businesses struggle.

The Economist

Small businesses are thriving.

The Economist

Some people run small businesses.

The New York Times

Small businesses are borrowing more.

The New York Times

Small businesses are not growing.

The New York Times

Small businesses increasingly advertise online.

The Economist

Ease regulations on small businesses?

The New York Times

I believe in small businesses.

The New York Times

"Cut taxes on small businesses".

Independent

Small businesses deserve better.

The New York Times

Small businesses don't".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "small businesses", be specific about the industry or sector to provide more context and relevance for your audience. For example, instead of just saying "small businesses are struggling", specify "small restaurants are struggling due to increased supply costs".

Common error

Avoid attributing the same challenges to all "small businesses". The issues faced by a tech startup will differ greatly from those of a local retail store. Always consider the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small businesses" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the collective of small-scale enterprises, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "Small businesses are borrowing more" or "I believe in small businesses".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small businesses" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to small-scale enterprises. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news and business contexts. The term carries a neutral to professional register and is used to discuss the role, challenges, and contributions of these enterprises. While the phrase is widely used, it's essential to consider the specific industry or sector when discussing the challenges and opportunities facing "small businesses". Alternatives such as "local enterprises" or "independent businesses" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small firms

A more formal and concise alternative to "small businesses".

small-scale companies

Emphasizes the size and scope of the business operations.

independent businesses

Highlights the autonomy and lack of affiliation with larger corporations.

local enterprises

Focuses on the geographical aspect, emphasizing businesses within a specific community.

micro-enterprises

Refers to very small businesses, often with minimal capital and few employees.

family-owned businesses

Focuses on the ownership structure and familial involvement.

mom-and-pop shops

Implies a family-owned and operated business, often small and traditional.

start-up ventures

Highlights the new and developing nature of the businesses.

ক্ষুদ্র व्यवसाय

Bengali translation of "small businesses", useful for reaching a Bengali-speaking audience.

लघु व्यवसाय

Hindi translation of "small businesses", useful for reaching a Hindi-speaking audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "small businesses" to refer to companies with a limited number of employees and revenue, such as "The government is offering grants to support "small businesses" during the pandemic".

What are some synonyms for "small businesses"?

Alternatives to "small businesses" include "local enterprises", "independent businesses", or "mom-and-pop shops", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small businesses" or "small business owners"?

The choice depends on your focus. "Small businesses" refers to the companies themselves, while "small business owners" refers to the individuals who run them. For example, "Small businesses are vital for the economy" versus "Small business owners often work long hours".

What kind of support do "small businesses" typically need?

"Small businesses" often require support in areas like funding, marketing, and regulatory compliance. Access to "microloans", simplified tax processes, and assistance with digital marketing can be particularly helpful.