start a business
/stɑːrt ə ˈbɪznəs/
Meaning
This phrase means to create, open, or establish a new company or commercial enterprise. It is a neutral expression used by entrepreneurs and in general business discussions.
Examples
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They decided to start a business selling handmade clothes.
They decided to start a business selling handmade clothes.
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It takes a lot of courage and money to start a business.
It takes a lot of courage and money to start a business.
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She wants to start a business after she graduates from college.
She wants to start a business after she graduates from college.
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He saved money for five years to start a business.
He saved money for five years to start a business.
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My dream is to start a business with my best friend.
My dream is to start a business with my best friend.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He wants to make a business.
✓ He wants to start a business.
In English, we use the verb 'start' (or 'open' / 'found'), not 'make', when referring to creating a new company.
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✗ She is starting business next month.
✓ She is starting a business next month.
'Business' in this context is a countable noun referring to a specific company, so it requires the article 'a'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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She left her corporate job to ___ of her own.
💡 Create a new company.
Show answer
start a business
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Is it difficult to ___ in your country?
💡 Establish a company.
Show answer
start a business