What’s the Deal with “Businesses”? Untangling the Plural of “Business”

The plural of business is straightforward: it’s businesses. But beneath this simple answer lies a nuanced understanding of how we use the word “business” and its plural form in various contexts. Let’s dive into the details and explore some common questions surrounding this seemingly simple term.

Delving Deeper into “Businesses”

The word “business” can refer to several things: a single enterprise, a field of study, or general commercial activity. When we talk about multiple distinct entities operating for profit, we unequivocally use “businesses.” It signifies a collection of separate and identifiable commercial ventures.

The Core Concept: Countable vs. Uncountable

Understanding why the plural is “businesses” requires grasping the concept of countable versus uncountable nouns. “Business,” in the sense of a company or enterprise, is a countable noun. We can have one business, two businesses, or a hundred businesses. If “business” is used in this case, it refers to the operation of the establishment and not the establishment itself.

However, “business” can sometimes be used as an uncountable noun, referring to general commercial activity or affairs. For example, “The government is focused on improving business conditions.” In this case, you wouldn’t pluralize it.

FAQs: Untangling Common Confusions

Let’s address some frequently asked questions to clarify the usage of “business” and “businesses” further:

FAQ 1: Is it ever correct to say “business’s”?

No, “business’s” is the possessive form of “business” (singular), indicating ownership or association. For example, “The business’s profits were lower this year.” It’s not a plural form.

FAQ 2: When would I use “business” in a singular sense, even when referring to multiple activities?

You would use “business” in the singular when referring to a single, overarching concept encompassing multiple activities. For instance, “The entertainment business is booming.” Here, “business” refers to the entire industry, not individual companies. In this usage case, you can think of “business” as the concept of “an entertainment business” as a whole.

FAQ 3: Can “business” be used as an adjective?

Yes, “business” can function as an adjective. For example, “business school” or “business trip.” In these cases, it modifies the noun that follows it.

FAQ 4: How do I use “business” correctly in a sentence about a specific company?

When referring to a specific company, use “business” (singular) if you are talking about the company itself as a single entity: “That business is expanding rapidly.” When you are talking about the operations of the company, use “business” (singular) as well: “The company is focused on improving business processes.”

FAQ 5: What is the difference between “business” and “company”?

While often used interchangeably, “business” is a broader term encompassing any activity aimed at making a profit. A “company” is a specific legal entity or organization that conducts business. Therefore, all companies are businesses, but not all businesses are necessarily formally registered companies. A lemonade stand is a business, but it isn’t necessarily a “company.”

FAQ 6: Are “businessmen” and “businesswomen” still commonly used?

While technically correct, the terms “businessmen” and “businesswomen” are increasingly seen as gendered and outdated. The more inclusive and widely accepted term is “businesspeople” or simply “business professionals.” You could also just use the term “people in business.”

FAQ 7: How does the use of “business” differ in British English compared to American English?

The differences are minimal. Both British and American English use “businesses” as the plural of “business” when referring to multiple enterprises. There might be subtle variations in phrasing or specific terminology within different industries, but the core grammar remains consistent.

FAQ 8: What about using “businesses'” (with an apostrophe after the s)?

“Businesses’” is the plural possessive form. It indicates that something belongs to multiple businesses. For example, “The businesses’ combined revenue was impressive.” It’s crucial to distinguish this from “businesses” (plural) without the apostrophe.

FAQ 9: If I’m talking about different divisions within a large corporation, should I use “businesses”?

It depends. If each division operates as a relatively autonomous entity with its own profit and loss statement, then using “businesses” might be appropriate. If they are closely integrated and considered part of a single unified business, then “divisions” or “units” might be more accurate.

FAQ 10: Is it ever appropriate to use an abbreviation for “businesses”?

Yes, in certain contexts. Common abbreviations include “bus.” (though this is less frequent) and, more commonly in acronyms and industry-specific jargon, variations depending on the context (e.g., small and medium sized businesses can be referred to as SMBs). However, avoid using abbreviations in formal writing unless they are widely understood within your target audience.

FAQ 11: How do I avoid ambiguity when writing about “business”?

Clarity is key! Use precise language and consider rephrasing sentences to eliminate potential confusion. For example, instead of saying “Business is good,” you could say “Profits are strong” or “The company is performing well.” Specifying what aspects of the business are being discussed helps avoid misinterpretations.

FAQ 12: Beyond companies, what else can be considered a “business”?

The definition of “business” extends beyond traditional companies. Freelancers, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and even individuals selling goods or services online can be considered businesses. Any activity undertaken with the primary aim of generating profit falls under the umbrella of “business.” Think of someone offering tutoring services: that constitutes a business!

Mastering the Nuances

While the plural of “business” is simply “businesses,” understanding the contexts in which the word is used allows for more effective communication. By paying attention to countable vs. uncountable nouns, possessive forms, and evolving language conventions, you can navigate the intricacies of business terminology with confidence. So, go forth and use “businesses” wisely!