transact business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transact business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to conducting commercial activities or engaging in trade. Example: "The two companies decided to transact business after negotiating the terms of their agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have to do it this way, because it is not actually illegal to transact business in whatever form of "money" the parties to the transaction agree upon.

Forbes

We can't transact business because of them.

The Guardian

There merchants, bankers, and seafarers assembled to transact business informally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A smaller number of people actually transact business.

The New York Times - Tech

We transact business in this way every day.

The New York Times

Fair, temporary market where buyers and sellers gather to transact business.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We realize we can no longer just transact business, but must generate revenues," Mr. Shannon said.

The New York Times

State law governs the rights of minors to transact business with this credit union.

Cornell University

At any time of the day or night customers may transact business by means of electronic machines.

The New Yorker

Marketers overwhelmingly agree that engaged customers are valuable because, in all likelihood, they will keep coming back to transact business.

Industrial Marketing Management

A principal wishes to transact business with a multidimensional distribution of agents whose preferences are known only in the aggregate.

Journal of Economic Theory

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider the cultural nuances associated with "transact business". In some cultures, building relationships precedes formal transactions.

Common error

Avoid using "transact business" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "do business" or simply "work together" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "transact business" functions as a verb phrase, where "transact" is a transitive verb and "business" is its direct object. It describes the action of carrying out commercial activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "transact business" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of conducting commercial activities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal business settings and academic discussions to news reports. While versatile, it tends to be more appropriate in professional or neutral registers rather than casual conversations. When choosing to use "transact business", consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication. For a more informal setting, consider alternatives such as "do business" or "work together".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct commerce

Focuses more broadly on the exchange of goods or services on a large scale.

engage in trade

Highlights the aspect of exchanging goods or services for mutual benefit.

carry out transactions

Emphasizes the specific actions of buying or selling.

do deals

Implies a more informal or negotiated approach to business transactions.

pursue commercial activities

Emphasizes the active and intentional nature of engaging in business.

handle financial matters

Specifically refers to managing money and monetary exchanges.

negotiate agreements

Focuses on reaching a mutually beneficial understanding for business purposes.

close sales

Highlights the finalization of a transaction involving the exchange of goods or services for money.

foster partnerships

Emphasizes the development of ongoing collaborative relationships for business growth.

grow one's enterprise

Shifts the focus to expanding and developing a business venture.

FAQs

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

You can use "transact business" to describe conducting commercial activities. For example, "The company is licensed to transact business in multiple states".

What are some alternatives to "transact business"?

Alternatives include "conduct business", "engage in trade", or "do business". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "transact business" formal or informal?

"Transact business" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "work together" or "do business" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "transact business" and "conduct business"?

While similar, "conduct business" is a slightly broader term. "Transact business" often implies a specific exchange or transaction, while "conduct business" can encompass overall business operations.