Meaning & use
independent business
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Meanings
nouncountablebusiness
A company that is owned and run by itself, not controlled by a larger company.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an independent business', 'two independent businesses'. Often used in contrast to 'chain' or 'franchise'.
Patterns
- run an independent business
- own an independent business
- support independent businesses
She left her corporate job to start an independent business.
The new law aims to help independent businesses compete with large chains.
Many independent businesses in the town closed during the recession.
nouncountablebusiness
A business that is not owned or controlled by a larger company or franchise.
Grammar: Same as above; often used in the phrase 'independent business owner'.
Patterns
- independent business owner
- a small independent business
He is an independent business owner who runs a bakery.
The survey found that independent businesses are more optimistic about the future.
Local independent businesses often struggle to compete on price.
Word forms
| plural | independent businesses |
|---|
Common combinations
- small independent business
- She runs a small independent business from her home.
- independent business owner
- As an independent business owner, he makes all the decisions himself.
- support independent businesses
- The campaign encourages people to support independent businesses.
- independent business sector
- The independent business sector is growing rapidly.
Synonyms and how they differ
- small business
- Small business focuses on size, not ownership; an independent business can be large but is not controlled by a bigger company.
- sole proprietorship
- Sole proprietorship is a legal term for a business owned by one person; independent business is broader and can have multiple owners.
- mom-and-pop shop
- Mom-and-pop shop is informal and refers to a very small, family-run business; independent business is neutral and more general.
Opposites
Commonly confused: independent business or independently owned business?
independent business vs independently owned business
This phrase means the same thing but emphasizes ownership; 'independent business' is shorter and more common.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'independent business' correctly?
Choose one answer.
An independent business is not controlled by a larger company. Option 1 is wrong because it says the business is owned by a large corporation. Option 2 is correct because it contrasts with a chain store. Option 3 is wrong because government control contradicts independence. Option 4 is wrong because a franchise is part of a larger company.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “independent business”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.