Do or make business? We used to have an English teacher from NYC who always corrected us when we said "do business". She kept saying that "make business" was correct. We, students, were confused beca

Jitka Badmintonovna

Do or make business? We used to have an English teacher from NYC who always corrected us when we said "do business". She kept saying that "make business" was correct. We, students, were confused because all English books say DO business. Was our teacher right ? Thank you!

Apr 16, 2014 7:27 PM

Answers · 14

It's "do business". I'm not sure why your teacher corrected you.

April 16, 2014

I am a native American English speaker and I would say "I do business with several companies in New York.", not "I make business with several companies in New York." The only place I can think of offhand where the words "make" and "business" come together are in sentences like: 1. I will make business cards for my company this weekend. 2. They will make a business out of selling clothing for pets. Do you remember any of the examples that your teacher gave you? If so, post them here and I will let you know if they sound unnatural in American English.

April 16, 2014

"Do business" is correct.

April 16, 2014

I agree with the others - do business. The only thing to be careful of is not to say 'do MY business'. In British English, this means go to the toilet.

April 16, 2014