Guide 93 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “company”
Five register-appropriate words for "company."
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Company" is correct but everyday. "Organisation" is neutral and covers non-profits; "firm" suits professional services; "business" is transactional; "enterprise" is large-scale; "entity" is strictly legal.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Organisation neutral
any institutional body
The organisation has revised its policy.
- 02Firm formal
professional services (law, consulting)
The firm accepted the engagement.
- 03Business neutral
commercial entity, transactional
The business was acquired in 2021.
- 04Enterprise formal
large-scale undertaking
An enterprise of this scope needs a steering group.
- 05Entity formal
legal or accounting context
The acquiring entity assumes all liabilities.