SpeakUp

successful business — business that does well

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

A company or organization that makes good profits, grows, or achieves its goals.

Say it like a native

Textbook She operates a highly profitable commercial enterprise.

Native She runs a successful business.

Natural; 'operates a profitable commercial enterprise' is a prospectus phrase.

Pattern: a/the successful business; run/build/start a successful business

In use

  • She started a successful business selling handmade jewelry online.work
  • In my opinion, the key to running a successful business is understanding what your customers need and adapting quickly to changes.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ She makes a successful business.

✓ She runs a successful business.

You RUN a business, not 'make' one.

Common collocations

  • a successful business — run, build, own, launch

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'big business' (large company) or 'new business' (recently started).

Practice speaking with instant AI feedback →