Teacher Discussion Forums

Hi people! Here are three questions for you. I hope you can help me!!

•Is it OK to say "a short number of businesses/companies" or would you rather say " a small number of businesses/companies"?

•In which cases is the word "business" a countable noun and can therefore be pluralized? Is the above example one of these?

•The last question: Do you (i.e. English people) normally use the expression "May I introduce myself?" when you are in a meeting and there isn't another person to introduce you? Or does it sound rather awkward, artificial and old-fashioned?

I would really appreciate it if you could help me with these questions!
Thanks a lot in advance!!

Kind regards,

Mara.

1) a small number of businesses
2) if you can substitute the word "company" or "firm", then "business" is countable. You've used it correctly.
3) "May I introduce myself?" sounds a bit formal to me (an American) though I would probably use it in a business situation outside the U.S. In the States, we tend to simply say "Hi, I'm _______" .

Thanks a lot! Your reply has been really helpful.

Mara.