to be profitable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be profitable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the financial success or viability of a business, investment, or project. Example: "The new marketing strategy is expected to be profitable within the first quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The store has to be profitable".

The New York Times

Analysts expect DaimlerChrysler to be profitable.

The New York Times

It needs to be profitable," he said.

The Guardian

"The goal isn't to be big but to be profitable".

The New York Times

"By 2012 we hope to be profitable," she said.

The New York Times - Food

So we needed to be profitable to survive.

The New York Times - Sports

But this entertaining, toothless documentary wants to be profitable.

The New York Times

"It is quite ambitious to be profitable by 2012.

The New York Times

In fact, slavery was not even meant to be profitable.

The Economist

All the firms claimed to be profitable in recent years.

The New York Times

And that's what allowed it to be profitable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When projecting future financial outcomes, use "to be profitable" to indicate an anticipated state of financial success. For example, "The company expects "to be profitable" by the end of the fiscal year."

Common error

Don't confuse "to be profitable" with simply generating revenue. A business can have high revenue but still not "to be profitable" if its expenses exceed its income. Focus on net profit after all costs are accounted for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be profitable" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a predicate complement to describe a desired or expected state of financial gain. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in business and economic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be profitable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, especially in business, news, and scientific contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to express an objective or expectation of financial success. While various alternative phrases exist, such as "generate profit" or "yield a profit", the core meaning remains consistent. Remembering to distinguish between revenue and profitability, and focusing on net profit, are key to using the term accurately. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become profitable

Highlights the transition into a state of profitability.

to achieve profitability

Stresses the accomplishment of reaching a profitable state.

to generate profit

Focuses on the act of creating profit rather than the state of being profitable.

to yield a profit

Emphasizes the outcome of producing profit.

to operate profitably

Describes conducting business in a way that produces profit.

to ensure profitability

Focuses on guaranteeing or securing a profitable outcome.

to maintain profitability

Emphasizes the continuation of being profitable over time.

to maximize profit

Highlights the goal of achieving the highest possible profit.

to increase profits

Focuses on the action of raising profit levels.

to be cost-effective

Implies profitability through efficient resource management.

FAQs

How can I use "to be profitable" in a sentence?

Use "to be profitable" to describe a business, project, or investment that is expected to generate more revenue than expenses. For example, "The goal of the new product line is "to be profitable" within its first year."

What are some alternatives to saying "to be profitable"?

You can use alternatives such as "generate profit", "yield a profit", or "become profitable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "to be profitable" and "to break even"?

"To be profitable" means generating more revenue than expenses, while "to break even" means that revenue equals expenses, resulting in neither profit nor loss.

Is it always necessary for a business "to be profitable"?

While profitability is often the primary goal, some organizations, like non-profits, may prioritize other objectives. However, even non-profits need to generate enough revenue to cover their expenses in order "to be sustainable".