state your business

USAGE SUMMARY

"state your business" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when conversing with someone who you do not know very well or when you are wanting someone to tell you why they are there. For example, "Excuse me, can you please state your business?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If you would but state your business".

The New York Times - Books

This is the last of ten pieces by British and German thinkers in a Cif series, The state, your business.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the seventh of ten pieces by British and German thinkers in a Cif series, The state, your business.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Then state your business for I am beginning to feel as bruised in spirit as Richilda, relict of Albert, Duke of Ebersberg".

The Guardian - Books

In the locked foyer of the clinic where Dr. Slepian worked, signs instruct visitors to look into a security camera, spell their names and "state your business".

The New York Times

It doesn't matter how beautiful a homemade object is: for most of us, what we buy is an extension of who we are, and wearing something without a price tag comes off like a shifty refusal to state your business.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Make sure it is proofread thoroughly by you or a professional proofreader and clearly states your business's objectives, goals, and finances.

WikiHow

The ABC Test is disrupting businesses across California … will it hit your state and your business next?

Forbes

Rogers: What's your view on the state of your business right now? How's Carat doing?

Forbes

Before any conversation with a viable partner, be prepared to share insights about the current state of your business.

Forbes

For those not in the know, Cognos allows your minions to "view real-time analytics on the state of your business".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state your business" in situations where you need a clear and concise explanation of someone's purpose, especially in formal or security-sensitive environments.

Common error

Avoid using "state your business" in casual conversations or when interacting with close acquaintances, as it can sound overly formal or even rude. Opt for friendlier alternatives like "What's up?" or "How can I help you?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state your business" functions as an imperative, directly requesting someone to declare their purpose or reason for being present. Ludwig AI's analysis, along with examples, shows it's used to solicit a concise explanation of someone's intentions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state your business" is a formal and direct way of asking someone to explain their purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while indicating its relative infrequency. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts and carries a formal or professional tone. When using this phrase, consider the context and be mindful of potentially sounding overly demanding. Alternatives like "what is your purpose" or "how can I help you" may be more appropriate in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What is your purpose?

Directly asks for the reason behind someone's actions or presence.

What do you want?

A more direct, and potentially blunt, way of asking someone's intention.

Why are you here?

A simple and direct question seeking the cause or purpose of someone's presence.

How can I help you?

Offers assistance while indirectly prompting the person to reveal their needs.

What brings you here?

Inquires about the reason for someone's visit to a specific location.

What's the reason for your visit?

More formal than "what brings you here?", explicitly asking about the visit's purpose.

Explain your reason for being here.

Requests a detailed explanation for someone's presence.

What are your intentions?

Asks about someone's plans or goals, which may be more long-term than a simple 'business'.

Please identify yourself and your intentions.

A more formal request for both identification and explanation of purpose.

What is the reason for this?

Asks the reason for an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "state your business" when you want someone to explain their reason for being present or contacting you, such as, "When the security guard asked him to state his business, he replied that he had a delivery for Mr. Smith."

What can I say instead of "state your business"?

You can use alternatives like "what is your purpose", "how can I help you", or "what brings you here" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "state your business"?

The phrase "state your business" is most appropriate in formal settings, such as when dealing with security personnel, in legal contexts, or when a clear and direct request for someone's purpose is needed. Avoid it in casual or friendly settings where it might sound too harsh.

What is the tone of "state your business"?

The tone of "state your business" is formal, direct, and sometimes even demanding. It implies a need for a clear and concise explanation, and can come across as impersonal or authoritative.