a discerning clientele

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a discerning clientele" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of customers or clients who are selective and have refined tastes or preferences. Example: "The restaurant has built a reputation for its exquisite cuisine, attracting a discerning clientele that appreciates fine dining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Since opening in 1986, the Dover Bookshop in London has catered to a discerning clientele that includes art directors, fashion designers and boldfaced bibliophiles like Helena Bonham-Carter, Bonham-Carter, Terry Gilliam and Jimmy Page

The New York Times

It has a discerning clientele from all over the country, which orders plants from its eclectic catalog, a tour de force with offerings that vary from hardy agapanthus (African lilies) to sea buckthorn from Northern Europe and Russia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Human Leather, a British-based company, claims to create products from donated human skin "for a small but highly discerning clientele," with prices ranging from 9,000 euros ($9,950) for a wallet to 18,000 euros for a pair of shoes.

The New York Times

"We've seen a growing base of discerning clientele in Singapore".

The New York Times - Travel

With over a million unique visitors monthly and a new site design to match the face of its discerning clientele, The Outnet is no longer merely Net-A-Porter's discount sister site, but a giant force in its own right dominating the internet's retail market.

Huffington Post

A restaurant served restaurants while offering its discerning clientele small tables, private rooms and flexible mealtimes.

The New York Times - Books

Yet today, with exporters targeting a more discerning clientele (and thus higher prices), a growing number of wineries are offering single-vineyard selections.

Huffington Post

For the past 17 years, Givenchy has been designing some of the most imaginative and luxurious one-of-kind pieces — he's paired aluminum with coral, he's strung a rubellite tourmaline on rope — which are coveted by the most discerning clientele.

The New York Times

A discerning buyer makes their selection objectively.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Assisted by his sons, Adolphe and Émile-Maurice, Charles-Émile built up a discerning and cosmopolitan clientele across the globe.

Independent

However, while the industry advances toward sophistication in terms of quality and supply, the consumer market has also evolved into a highly complex and competitive world in which there is a profusion of products for an increasingly discerning and demanding clientele.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a discerning clientele" when you want to emphasize that your customers are selective, knowledgeable, and have refined tastes. It suggests a high standard of quality and exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "a discerning clientele" to describe a general customer base. It is most effective when referring to customers who are known for their specific tastes and high standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discerning clientele" functions as a noun phrase, where "discerning" acts as an adjective modifying "clientele". It's used to characterize a specific group of customers or clients. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing a selective customer base.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a discerning clientele" is a phrase used to describe a group of customers known for their refined tastes and selective preferences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for professional and formal contexts, particularly in business and news reporting. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a sense of exclusivity and high quality. When writing, remember that this term best suits situations where the customer base truly values quality and has specific standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a selective clientele

Emphasizes the choosiness and selectivity of the clientele.

a sophisticated clientele

Highlights the refined and cultured nature of the clientele.

an exclusive clientele

Focuses on the limited access and high status associated with the clientele.

a refined customer base

Uses "customer base" instead of "clientele", which can be slightly less formal, and "refined" to denote good taste.

a particular clientele

Indicates that the clientele has specific needs or interests.

a demanding clientele

Stresses the high expectations and requirements of the clientele.

an exacting clientele

Implies that the clientele is meticulous and pays close attention to detail.

a knowledgeable customer group

Highlights the expertise and understanding of the customers.

a tasteful patronage

Shifts focus to the act of patronage itself, emphasizing the good taste of those who support the business.

an appreciative audience

Emphasizes the clientele's ability to recognize and value quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a discerning clientele" in a sentence?

You can use "a discerning clientele" to describe customers who are selective and have refined tastes. For example, "The art gallery attracts "a discerning clientele" who appreciate unique and high-quality artwork."

What are some synonyms for "a discerning clientele"?

Alternatives include "a selective clientele", "a sophisticated clientele", or "a refined customer base". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a discerning clientele" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a discerning clientele" is more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, consider using simpler phrases like "choosy customers" or "customers with good taste".

What distinguishes "a discerning clientele" from "a regular clientele"?

"A discerning clientele" implies that the customers are selective and knowledgeable, while "a regular clientele" simply refers to customers who frequent a business or service often, without necessarily implying anything about their tastes or preferences.