business

The activity of buying and selling goods or services to earn money.

• Business is slow today.
• They do business with companies abroad.
• Online business has grown quickly.

How to use it: do business with someone (We do business with several local farmers.)

Similar words: trade, commerce

Common phrases: do business, international business, business with someone, in business

A company or shop that sells goods or services.

• She owns a small business.
• Several businesses closed last year.
• Would you like to run your own business?

Similar words: company, firm, enterprise

Common phrases: small business, run a business, family business

Things you need to do or matters that concern you personally.

• I have some business to finish.
• Please keep out of my business.
• We returned to business as usual.

How to use it: be someone’s business (How I spend my money is my business.)

Similar words: affairs, matters

Common phrases: personal business, unfinished business, mind your business

The kind of work someone does to earn money.

• He is in the music business.
• She learned the restaurant business from her father.
• How long have you been in this business?

How to use it: be in the … business (Her family is in the hotel business.)

Similar words: trade, occupation, profession

Common phrases: insurance business, hotel business, in the business

Related to work or professional activities.

• Dad is on a business trip.
• Please use your business email address.
• We discussed it over a business lunch.

Similar words: professional, commercial

Opposites: personal

Common phrases: business trip, business meeting, business phone, business expenses