semi-business-related?

Question

I'm writing my statement of purpose for grad school application. I would like to express "I came from an academic background that is half business-related", as I majored in E-business. What is the correct adjective form in this case?

semi-business-related, semi-business related, semi business-related, or "semi" is not required at all?

Thanks.

Surely 'business-related' is a binary adjective- something either is, or isn't related to business? So how can something be half (semi) related to business? — Marv Mills, Dec 03 '15 at 10:31

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 03 '15 at 08:04

2

I would avoid trying to find the right hyphenated adjective as you've described it, and instead say something more simple and direct, such as, "My academic background includes a major in E-business."

answered Dec 03 '15 at 08:04

Mark Hubbard

6,777

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 03 '15 at 14:41

If you really want to use business-related, just use that. No semi- required. Related means:

connected in some way (MW)

E-business is definitely "connected in some way" to business, so just say,

I came from an academic background that is business-related.

Or, even better,

My academic background is business-related.

semi-business-related?

2 Answers2