a select clientele

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a select clientele" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific group of customers or clients that are chosen or preferred for a particular service or product. Example: "The luxury boutique caters to a select clientele, offering exclusive items that are not available to the general public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Largely through word of mouth, she also developed a reputation as a photographer of weddings for a select clientele.

The New York Times

For one thing, the.50-caliber weapons are only used by a select clientele, mostly wealthy gun enthusiasts or collectors.

The New York Times

These are epic meals where at the end you want to shout "Bravo!" And while the formal French palaces were clubhouses for a select clientele, these restaurants are more like nightclubs -- open to any who can pay their bar tab.

The New York Times

Such shops cater to a select clientele, but Frieze Masters has coaxed them out of their cigar-and-brandy haven to let anyone with the £20 entrance fee browse their extraordinary wares – and, truly, it is a revelation.

The Guardian - Arts

"We have a select clientele concentrated mainly on the West Coast of the U.S. and in Russia," said Mr. Prescher, owner of the eponymous brand best known for its "flying" tourbillons supported from only one side, appearing to be suspended in air.

The New York Times

Tokyo may be a restless city without quiet or privacy, but for a select clientele, what lies ahead is an evening of sumptuous food and discussion of politics, business or affairs of the heart in a world totally devoted to confidentiality.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Being in top luxury hotels means targeted advertising to a very select clientele who think nothing of paying $300 or more per night for a hotel room ideal potential Hermès customers.

Forbes

Another new strategy fits an even more select clientele.

Forbes

Maxhard Ltd wanted to build a 100-bed hotel and 80 holiday homes with a swimming pool on a 22-acre (9 hectares) site near Llandeilo aimed at "a select international clientele".

BBC

When I contacted him to see whether he was going to create mass-market versions of his see-through clothes, he told me that Intimacy 3.0 was "in development with a high-end fashion brand" and wouldn't say any more, but did talk about the dresses he's made for a select, wealthy clientele.

Vice

And Conde and his team have spent a full day with each member of their select clientele, going through the minute details of the results in search of hidden genomic time bombs, subtle health risks, and other information.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a select clientele", ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria for selection or exclusivity. For instance, specify whether the selection is based on income, expertise, or social status.

Common error

Avoid using "a select clientele" if the service or product is widely available. This phrase implies a degree of exclusivity that should match the actual accessibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select clientele" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific group of customers or clients who are distinguished by certain characteristics, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a select clientele" is a noun phrase that effectively conveys exclusivity and specialization, primarily used in professional and marketing contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various written materials, it indicates that the service or product caters to a particular group, often implying higher quality or prestige. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in reliable sources such as The New York Times and Forbes. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly reflects the exclusivity you intend to convey. Consider alternatives such as "an exclusive clientele" or "a discerning clientele", depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exclusive clientele

Replaces "select" with "exclusive", emphasizing the limited access and high standards.

a discerning clientele

Substitutes "select" with "discerning", highlighting the high standards and refined tastes of the customer base.

a premium clientele

Replaces "select" with "premium", focusing on the high value and quality associated with the customer base.

a high-end clientele

Uses "high-end" instead of "select", emphasizing the luxury and exclusivity.

a privileged clientele

Replaces "select" with "privileged", suggesting that the clients receive special treatment or access.

a choice clientele

Uses "choice" to indicate that the clientele is carefully selected or of high quality.

a limited clientele

Emphasizes the restricted number of clients served.

a curated clientele

Highlights that the clientele has been carefully chosen or assembled.

a refined clientele

Suggests that the clientele possesses refined tastes and sophistication.

an elite clientele

Replaces "select" with "elite", implying a high social or professional standing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a select clientele" to describe a business or service that caters to a specific, often exclusive, group of customers. For example, "The private club caters to "a select clientele" of wealthy investors".

What are some alternatives to "a select clientele"?

Alternatives include "an exclusive clientele", "a discerning clientele", or "a premium clientele", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a select clientele" in marketing materials?

Yes, but only if your business genuinely caters to a limited or exclusive group. Overusing the phrase can alienate potential customers if they don't feel they fit the described criteria. Consider if your business instead caters to "a specific clientele".

What distinguishes "a select clientele" from "a general clientele"?

"A select clientele" implies that the group of customers is carefully chosen, often based on specific criteria such as income, status, or preferences. A "general clientele", on the other hand, refers to a broader, less defined customer base.