do business with

Meaning

This phrase means to buy from, sell to, or trade with a person, company, or country. It describes an ongoing or single commercial relationship and is very common in both formal and informal business discussions.

Examples

• Our company has decided to do business with a local supplier to cut shipping costs.

  Our company has decided to do business with a local supplier to cut shipping costs.

• It is always a pleasure to do business with clients who respect our deadlines.

  It is always a pleasure to do business with clients who respect our deadlines.

• They refused to do business with any organization that does not practice sustainability.

  They refused to do business with any organization that does not practice sustainability.

• We have been trying to do business with that major retailer for over a year.

  We have been trying to do business with that major retailer for over a year.

• You should research a company thoroughly before deciding to do business with them.

  You should research a company thoroughly before deciding to do business with them.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We want to make business with your company.

  ✓ We want to do business with your company.

  In English, we use the verb 'do' with 'business', not 'make'.

• ✗ It is difficult to do business to them.

  ✓ It is difficult to do business with them.

  The correct preposition to indicate the partner or client is 'with', not 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We are excited to ___ your firm in the coming year.

  💡 Engage in commercial activities together.

  Show answer

  do business with

• Many international brands hesitate to ___ companies in unstable regions.

  💡 Trade or cooperate commercially.

  Show answer

  do business with