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Prepositions with nouns

“Of business” or “in business”?

“In business” is a common fixed expression about commerce or operating a company. “Of business” is usually part of a longer noun phrase such as “the cost of business” or “a professor of business”.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use “in business” to talk about working in commerce or running a company. “Of business” is not normally used alone after a verb, but it appears in phrases where “business” is linked to another noun.

Her family has been in business for 40 years.
He works in business and finance.
The realities of business can be stressful.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in business

Talking about commerce or company activity

Use this fixed phrase to describe working in commerce or successfully operating a company.

They are still in business despite the recession.
She went in business after university.
2
business + of + noun

Describing a type or area of business

Use “of” after “business” when another noun defines the activity.

the business of publishing
the business of tourism in the region
3
noun + of business

Linking business to another noun

“Of business” commonly follows another noun in formal or descriptive phrases.

the ethics of business
a professor of business administration

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in business
Her parents are in business together.
Working in commerce or operating a company.
of business
The risks of business are sometimes unpredictable.
Part of a larger noun phrase connected to business.
business of + activity
He understands the business of filmmaking.
The practical or commercial side of an activity.
on business
She is in Singapore on business.
Travelling or acting for work purposes.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of business” as a complete expression

“Of business” usually needs another noun before it or another phrase after it.

✕ She works of business. ✓ She works in business.

Confusing “in business” with “on business”

“In business” means involved in commerce. “On business” describes the purpose of a trip.

✕ He travelled to Tokyo in business. ✓ He travelled to Tokyo on business.

Leaving out the activity after “business of”

The phrase “business of” normally introduces an activity or field.

✕ They discussed the business of. ✓ They discussed the business of marketing.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Her company has been ___ business since 1998.
2. The ethics ___ business are widely debated.
3. He travelled to Berlin ___ business.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of business” incorrect?

Not always. It is natural inside longer phrases such as “the future of business” or “a professor of business.”

What does “in business” mean?

It usually means working in commerce or running a company successfully.

Can I say “go in business”?

Yes. “Go into business” or “go in business” can mean starting commercial activity, often with someone else.

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