Why “Businesses or Business’s” Causes So Much Confusion in Business Writing
The phrase businesses or business’s is one of those tiny grammar points that causes big headaches—especially in professional writing. Whether you’re writing an email to a client or preparing a report for your manager, getting this right makes your English look polished and credible.
Let’s start with why this is confusing. First, “businesses” is the plural form, meaning more than one company. On the other hand, “business’s” is a possessive form, showing ownership (like “the business’s strategy”).
Mixing these up is very common. We see it all the time in corporate emails and presentations. That’s why understanding business plural rules and learning how to use apostrophes properly is crucial. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our How to use business’s correctly in English writing for a quick breakdown.
As part of your apostrophe usage guide, remember:
If you’re talking about many companies, say “businesses”
If you’re showing ownership by one company, say “business’s”
Never use “business’s” to mean “more than one business”
Want a tip? When in doubt, rewrite the sentence! Instead of “the business’s customers,” try “the customers of the business.”
This is one of those business writing tips that sounds simple but can instantly upgrade your communication style. Getting it right shows your attention to detail—and that’s something every manager will appreciate.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Plural Form: When to Use “Businesses”
One half of the businesses or business’s puzzle is knowing when to use “businesses.” This is the plural form of “business,” and it’s used when you’re referring to more than one company.
For example:
Many businesses closed early during the holiday.
We work with small and medium-sized businesses around the world.
In grammar for business English, plural forms are important for describing market trends, clients, or stakeholders. Whether you’re writing a report or pitching a project, accuracy with plurals helps your message sound professional and trustworthy.
It’s also worth noting that in english grammar for companies, plural forms like “businesses” often get confused with singular possessive forms. This is where clarity is everything.
Think of the difference here:
“Businesses are expanding globally.” (plural)
“The business’s new strategy is working.” (singular possessive)
Still unsure? Visit 15 business English vocabulary words to boost your career to expand your business vocabulary while mastering the basics.
At Corporate English Training in 2025 | Boost Workplace Communication, our instructors help professionals like you learn how to speak and write with confidence, especially when dealing with tricky plural and possessive forms.
Possessive Apostrophes Made Simple: How to Correctly Use “Business’s”
Now for the second half of businesses or business’s: when to use “business’s.”
This is the possessive form of the singular noun “business.” That little apostrophe + s shows that something belongs to the business.
Examples:
The business’s success is due to innovation.
We analyzed the business’s financial report.
Here’s where things get tricky. Many learners accidentally use “business’s” to talk about more than one business, but that’s not correct. This mistake can confuse your message, especially in emails, proposals, or marketing copy.
That’s why you need a strong apostrophe usage guide and frequent practice. When you understand apostrophe placement, your writing becomes much clearer and more professional.
Our instructors often teach this as part of our business writing tips sessions: Always double-check if you’re showing ownership (use an apostrophe) or referring to a group (use the plural).
Want to expand your vocabulary too? Here’s a great resource: 10 essential business vocabulary words every professional should know.
And remember, in grammar for business English, it’s not just about rules—it’s about writing in a way that helps you succeed.
Real-World Examples: Common Mistakes Professionals Make in Emails and Reports
Even experienced professionals make grammar mistakes—especially with businesses or business’s.
Let’s look at some real-world examples to show how these small errors can make a big impact.
❌ Incorrect: “Our business’s are growing quickly.” ✅ Correct: “Our businesses are growing quickly.”
❌ Incorrect: “Many businesses strategy is focused on digital.” ✅ Correct: “Many businesses’ strategy is focused on digital.”
❌ Incorrect: “We appreciate your business’s.” ✅ Correct: “We appreciate your business.”
These examples are based on actual messages we’ve helped revise during our grammar coaching sessions at corporateenglish.biz. These common issues highlight the need for mastering both plural forms and possessive apostrophes—and how confusing they can be.
According to english grammar for companies, one misplaced apostrophe can completely change the meaning of a sentence. And when you’re writing to a client or upper management, clarity is everything.
Reviewing grammar regularly is a key part of our program. If you’re interested in more general language tips for business travelers, this fun article might help: Do They Speak English in Egypt? Language Tips for Tourists.
Or dive deeper into Business English to understand how this form of English supports communication across industries.
Apostrophes in Action: Business Writing Tips for Possessive and Plural Nouns
A big part of using businesses or business’s correctly is understanding how to handle possessive and plural nouns in business writing.
Here are a few business writing tips that can help you use them confidently:
🔹 For plural without possession: Just add “s”
Correct: “Businesses are adapting to change.”
🔹 For singular possession: Add ‘s
Correct: “The business’s website is down.”
🔹 For plural possession: Add s’
Correct: “The businesses’ taxes were filed.”
In grammar for business English, getting these details right shows professionalism. This is especially important for professionals who write reports, proposals, newsletters, or press releases.
Even if you’re not a full-time writer, you’re still a communicator in the workplace. And every email, report, or chat message is a chance to show your expertise.
Need help boosting your vocabulary too? Don’t miss Business Vocabulary in Use: Key Terms and Phrases for Success to level up your communication.
Solid english grammar for companies is not about perfection—it’s about clarity. When your message is clear, your work gets noticed.
Grammar Rules Every Company Should Know for Clear Internal Communication
In companies large and small, getting grammar right—especially with tricky points like businesses or business’s—helps everyone communicate more clearly.
Here are 3 key rules every professional team should follow:
🔹 Consistency matters: Choose a standard and stick to it in emails, reports, and presentations.
🔹 Proofread everything: Even quick Slack messages can affect your credibility.
🔹 Use grammar tools: Apps like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor can help catch small errors.
Many teams struggle with internal communication simply because of inconsistent grammar. One team might write “business’s,” another might write “businesses,” and someone else just writes “biz” (😅).
Using these business plural rules correctly helps everyone stay on the same page. And when you know your apostrophe usage guide, you avoid embarrassing grammar mistakes in your documents.
Want to level up your team’s communication? Our phone-based English sessions at corporateenglish.biz are perfect for helping employees feel confident in their grammar and writing.
How Phone-Based English Lessons Can Help Your Team Master Grammar for Business
Still mixing up businesses or business’s? You’re not alone. These are grammar details that even native speakers sometimes get wrong. But here’s the good news: grammar doesn’t have to be boring.
At business-english.info, we provide tips and examples just like this one. But if you want to go further—to really improve your spoken and written grammar—then phone-based English lessons might be exactly what your team needs.
Our program at corporateenglish.biz is designed for busy professionals. Your team members can:
🌎 Speak with native English teachers from anywhere 📚 Practice grammar in real conversation 📅 Schedule short lessons that fit the workday
When professionals learn grammar through conversation, they remember it better. That’s why this style of learning is so effective—especially for topics like grammar for business English and english grammar for companies.
Whether you’re a team leader or an individual professional, clear grammar supports better communication, more confidence, and even career growth.
Want to get started? Contact Us | Business-English.info and let’s help your team write with clarity and confidence.
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