A few topics cause more head-scratching than possessives and plurals when it comes to english grammer. One word that often confuses people is “business.”
- When I talk about something that belongs to one business, is it the business’s?
- Can I use business instead?
- If you’ve ever typed, backspaced, and retyped one of these forms, wondering which is correct, you’re not alone.
The differences between Businesses or Business’s or Business, and businesses—when to use each one, why they matter, and how to stay compatible in your writing.
What Does “Business” Mean?
The word business is a noun that can be used in a few ways. Let’s look at the most common ones:
1. Uncountable Noun—General Activity or Concept
In its uncountable form, “business” refers to commerce, trade, or work in general, not a specific company.
- “He went to France on business.”
- “We’re in the similar line of business.”
You don’t make it plural (businesses) or possessive (business’s) in this context. Because you’re not talking about a specific organization or buisness. You’re referring to the concept or activity itself.
2. Businesses or Business—The Plural Form of Business
If you’re talking about more than one company, the correct word is businesses. This is a simple plural form and has nothing to do with possession.
Examples:
- “She owns several successful businesses across the country.”
- “Tech businesses are growing rapidly in this region.”
- “New businesses open every month in this neighborhood.”
This form is straightforward. Use businesses when you’re simply counting more than one business.Also check Thomas’s or Thomas’?
3. Business’s—Singular Possessive Form
The possessive form of a single business is usually written as the business’s. You add an apostrophe + s to show that something belongs to the business.
Examples:
- “The business’s marketing strategy was innovative.”
- “That is the business’s official logo.”
- “The business’s owner was featured in Forbes.”
Most grammar guides—including The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)—recommend this form. It’s unsuitable with how possessives are formed for most singular nouns, regardless of whether they end in s.
4. Business’—Alternative Singular Possessive
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook allows business as an alternative to business style guides. This is especially popular in journalism, where abbreviations and the lack of reading are classified.
Examples:
- “The business’ accounts were audited last month.”
- “We improved the business’ social media engagement.”
- “That was the business’ fifth expansion this year.”
So both are correct, which one you use, but it depends on your context and viewers. Academic and literary writers tend to favor business’s, while journalists and news writers often use business’.
5. Businesses’ – Plural Possessive
When you’re referring to multiple companies that collectively own or are associated with something, you use businesses. This is the plural possessive form.
Here, you’re showing ownership by more than one business.
Examples:
- “All of the businesses’ taxes were filed on time.”
- “These regulations affect many businesses’ operations.”
- “The consulting firm manages multiple businesses’ marketing strategies.”
So remember:
- Businesses = more than one company.
- Businesses = something belonging to more than one company.
Quick Comparison Table
| Word | Function | Example |
| business | singular noun | “My business is growing.” |
| businesses | plural noun | “New businesses are opening everywhere.” |
| business’s | singular possessive | “The business’s CEO resigned.” |
| business’ | singular possessive | “The business’ revenue increased.” |
| businesses | plural possessive, | “The businesses’ interests were protected.” |
Which One Should You Use? It Depends on Your Style Guide
Different style guides have different recommendations:
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS):
Always use ’s for singular possessives—even if the word ends in s.
“business’s growth”
- Associated Press (AP) Style:
Drop the final s after the apostrophe for singular proper nouns ending in s.
“business’ growth”
Still Confused? Use a Workaround!
If you find the possessive forms too tricky, you can always rephrase the sentence to avoid apostrophes:
Instead of:
- “The business’s performance was excellent.”
Try
- “The performance of the business was excellent.”
Comparison Table:
| Word | Function | Example |
| business | singular noun | “My business is growing.” |
| businesses | plural noun | “New businesses are opening everywhere.” |
| business’s | singular possessive | “The business’s CEO resigned.” |
| business’ | singular possessive | “The business’ revenue increased.” |
| businesses, | plural possessive | “The businesses’ interests were protected.” |
Final Thoughts: Keep It Clear, Keep It Consistent
To wrap it up:
- Use businesses when referring to multiple companies.
- Use business’s or business’ to show that something belongs to one business.
- Use ‘businesses’s when talking about something that belongs to more than one business.
- Follow a style guide if you’re writing professionally, and if not—just be consistent.
And if all else fails? Take the safe route and say: “something that belongs to the business.”
FAQ’s
1. What is the correct possessive form of business?
The singular possessive is business’s, but ‘business’ is also accepted in AP Style.
2. When should I use businesses?
Use businesses when referring to more than one company, not for possession.
3. What does’ businesses’ mean?
Businesses’ is the plural possessive form, showing ownership by multiple companies.
