Administer vs I have a business to run

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Administer

FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb

I have a business to run

Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: AdministerMost common: I have a business to run
 AdministerI have a business to run
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ədˈmɪnɪstə(r)/","/ədˈmɪnɪstəz/","/ədˈmɪnɪstəd/","/ədˈmɪnɪstərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ədˈmɪnɪstər/","/ədˈmɪnɪstərz/","/ədˈmɪnɪstərd/","/ədˈmɪnɪstərɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //aɪ hæv ə ˈbɪznəs tə rʌn//🇺🇸 //aɪ hæv ə ˈbɪznɪs tə rʌn//
MeaningTo give or manage something, usually help or medicine.I need to manage a company or organization.
ExampleThe nurse will administer the vaccine to all eligible patients.I have a business to run, so I can't join you today.
RegisterFormalNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationseffectively, efficiently, centrally, be difficult to, be easy to, be simple torun a company, run an operation, run a franchise
Antonymswithhold, deny-
Common mistakesConfused with 'administered' in past tense but forgets the context., Using 'administer' without specifying what is being given., Mixing it up with 'manage', which has a broader meaning.Using 'to run' with a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'run' with 'run away' in this context., Saying 'have a business for running' instead of 'to run'.
Usage notesUsed in formal contexts, often when discussing healthcare or management. Not appropriate in casual conversations.Used when discussing responsibilities related to managing a business. Avoid in casual conversations.

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Administer
I have a business to run

Frequently asked questions: Administer vs I have a business to run

What's the difference between Administer and I have a business to run?

Administer: To give or manage something, usually help or medicine. I have a business to run: I need to manage a company or organization.

Which is more formal: Administer and I have a business to run?

Administer is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Administer and I have a business to run?

I have a business to run is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Administer: The nurse will administer the vaccine to all eligible patients. I have a business to run: I have a business to run, so I can't join you today.

Can I use Administer and I have a business to run interchangeably?

Not always. Administer and I have a business to run are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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