a customer that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a customer that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific customer in a context where you are describing their characteristics or actions. Example: "A customer that frequently shops with us is eligible for exclusive discounts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That risks alienating a customer that accounts for 40-45% of its revenues.

The Economist

The saleswoman paused to tell a customer that Amma had, in fact, touched a particular item.

The New York Times

Each deal involved MicroStrategy's selling to a customer that simultaneously sold something else to MicroStrategy.

The New York Times

"If there's a customer that wants to sell back their Volt, we'll buy it back from them," Mr. Peterson said.

The New York Times

"The specialist should not trade when there's a customer that can trade at that price," he said.

The New York Times

"Bicycle technology here is centered on lightweight performance, so they're not as interested in a customer that wants a kickstand, rack and fenders," he says.

The New York Times

A customer that behaves one way for one purchase may behave in a very different way the next time.

Harvard Business Review

Your two most important suppliers, looking at what they do with you as a customer that affects you most substantially.

Harvard Business Review

Have you ever heard advice or feedback from a customer that dramatically changed the way you did something?

The Washington Post

If Spotify is successful in keeping a customer, that same customer will also post statuses about Spotify and spread its popularity.

Cornell University

The oldest seaport in Texas is getting a boost from a customer that has returned after a 40-year absence -- Cuba.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve readability consider replacing "a customer that" with "a customer who" when referring to people. The alternative, "a customer who," may sound more natural and can improve the overall flow of your sentence.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "that" to refer to people can sound unnatural. Opt for "who" when referring to a specific person or customer: "the customer who placed the order" is often preferable to "the customer that placed the order".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a customer that" functions as a relative clause introducing additional information about a specific customer. It identifies or describes a characteristic of the customer being discussed, as evidenced by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a customer that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for specifying a customer based on certain characteristics. While perfectly acceptable, alternatives such as "a customer who" may enhance readability, particularly when referring to people. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, business, and general writing. When selecting the most appropriate wording, consider the specific context and desired level of formality to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a customer who

Replaces "that" with "who", emphasizing the person rather than the object; slightly more formal.

a client that

Substitutes "customer" with "client", implying a more professional or long-term relationship.

a patron who

Replaces "customer" with "patron", suggesting a more loyal or supportive customer.

a consumer who

Employs "consumer" rather than "customer", highlighting the act of consuming goods or services.

an individual that

Uses "individual" instead of "customer", broadening the scope beyond just purchasing.

a buyer that

Focuses specifically on the act of purchasing, using "buyer" instead of "customer".

a shopper that

Replaces "customer" with "shopper", implying someone who is actively browsing or buying.

a user that

Uses "user" rather than "customer", applicable when the context involves using a service or platform.

a guest who

Replaces "customer" with "guest", implying a more hospitable or service-oriented environment.

a member who

Substitutes "customer" with "member", suggesting a closer relationship with a business or organization.

FAQs

When should I use "a customer that" versus "a customer who"?

While both are technically correct, "a customer who" is generally preferred when referring to a person. "A customer that" is acceptable, but can sound less natural. Consider using "a customer who" for better readability.

What are some alternatives to "a customer that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a client that" for a more professional tone, or "a shopper that" when discussing retail situations.

Is "a customer that" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "a customer that" is grammatically correct, though using "who" often sounds more natural when referring to people. Both forms are acceptable in formal writing.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding overuse of "a customer that"?

Try rephrasing the sentence to avoid the need for a relative clause. For example, instead of "a customer that is always late", you could say "a consistently late customer".