Meaning
To engage in commercial activities or transactions.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'doing business' is often fast-paced and direct. Small talk is kept to a minimum before getting to the point. Business is built on long-term trust. 'Doing business' often involves many meetings and dinners before a contract is signed. German business culture is formal and values punctuality. 'Doing business' is expected to be efficient and well-prepared. Personal relationships are key. You might spend a lot of time talking about family before you start 'doing business'.
Uncountable Noun
Remember that 'business' is uncountable when talking about the activity. Don't add 'a' or 's'.
Don't use 'Make'
It is a very common mistake to say 'make business'. Always use 'do'.
Meaning
To engage in commercial activities or transactions.
Uncountable Noun
Remember that 'business' is uncountable when talking about the activity. Don't add 'a' or 's'.
Don't use 'Make'
It is a very common mistake to say 'make business'. Always use 'do'.
Professionalism
Use 'It's a pleasure to do business with you' to end meetings professionally.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
We have ______ business with them for five years.
The present perfect tense requires the past participle 'done'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Business is uncountable and the verb is 'do'.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match 'do business' to its definition.
Doing business is synonymous with trading or commercial activity.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWe have ______ business with them for five years.
The present perfect tense requires the past participle 'done'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Business is uncountable and the verb is 'do'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Doing business is synonymous with trading or commercial activity.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, 'business' is uncountable when referring to the activity. Use 'doing business'.
It is neutral. It works in both emails and meetings.
'Conduct business' is more formal and often used in legal contexts.
Related Phrases
Conduct business
synonymTo carry out business activities.
Talk business
similarTo discuss professional matters.
Mean business
contrastTo be serious.
Business as usual
builds onNormal operations.
