attend a client

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attend a client" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used in a business context to refer to meeting or providing services to a client, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "I need to attend to a client who has some urgent questions about their account."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Someone to attend a client lunch to add some gray hair".

The New York Times

"Obviously it wouldn't be acceptable to attend a client meeting in casual clothing – that's just unprofessional, but it works the other way, too; being overly-dressed at work can make people feel stifled and that's counter-productive, especially in a creative environment".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The HCW was assigned to attend a single client in one room at a time instead of the normal routine, where two clinicians attend two clients in the same room.

Global Health Action

De-identified quotes presented in subsequent analysis are followed by parentheses which describe the service the client attended (A-F: see Table 1) and the gender (Male or Female) of the speaker.

BMC Public Health

One day, Mr. Smith asked Ms. Ip to attend a dinner with clients.

The New York Times - Style

At Oppenheimer Funds, employees invited to attend with a client can cover the cost of any ticket with a face value exceeding $100.

The New York Times - Sports

As a holistic medicine practitioner who attends a wealthy client's dinner party after her car breaks down, Hayek tears into a role specifically tailored for her by screenwriter Mike White.

Los Angeles Times

If a goal is to stop using drugs, for example, your treatment recommendation should include a referral to a substance abuse program that requires the client attend a set number of meetings and submit to random drug screenings, and a target date for completion of the program.

WikiHow

Fewer than half (46%) said that they were likely to recommend that their clients attend a self-help group meeting.

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

"This does not mean we never attend a government meeting with clients".

The New York Times

My ability to hide ended about 2 months later when I was invited to attend an event for a client.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to interacting with clients, use phrases like "meet with a client" or "serve a client" instead of the grammatically awkward "attend a client".

Common error

Avoid using "attend" in a way that implies directly providing a service or meeting with a client. "Attend" usually refers to being present at an event or location, not directly interacting with a person. Instead, opt for verbs that clearly convey the action of assisting or meeting, such as "meet with", "serve", or "assist".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attend a client" is typically used with the intention of describing the act of serving or meeting a client in a business setting. However, according to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically incorrect and awkward. It's an uncommon construction that doesn't align with standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attend a client" is an attempt to describe serving or meeting with a client, particularly in professional settings. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect and generally awkward. While some examples exist in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, the overall consensus is that more precise and grammatically sound alternatives should be preferred. Better choices include "meet with a client" or "serve a client", which clearly convey the intended meaning. By opting for these clearer alternatives, writers can ensure their communication is professional and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Meet with a client

Emphasizes a scheduled meeting or consultation with a client.

Serve a client

Focuses on providing services or assistance to a client.

Assist a client

Highlights helping a client with specific needs or tasks.

Advise a client

Stresses the act of giving professional advice or guidance to a client.

Consult with a client

Indicates a formal discussion or consultation to address client concerns.

See a client

Suggests a brief meeting or appointment with a client.

Support a client

Implies ongoing help and encouragement for the client's goals.

Handle a client

Focuses on managing the client's account or needs effectively.

Take care of a client

Emphasizes providing attentive and comprehensive service to the client.

Look after a client

Similar to "take care of", but with a slightly more informal tone.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "attend a client"?

The phrase "attend a client" is not standard English. It's more appropriate to use phrases like "meet with a client" or "serve a client" to indicate providing service or having a meeting.

How can I use "attend" correctly in a business context?

Use "attend" to refer to being present at a meeting, conference, or event. For example, "I will attend the client's presentation". Avoid using it to mean directly interacting with or providing service to a client.

What's the difference between "attend to a client" and "attend a client"?

"Attend to a client" is more acceptable, meaning to take care of or deal with their needs. However, even "attend to a client" can sound slightly awkward compared to "serve a client", "assist a client", or "meet with a client". The phrase "attend a client" is not grammatically correct.

Which is a better alternative to "attend a client": "meet with a client" or "serve a client"?

Both "meet with a client" and "serve a client" are better alternatives. Use "meet with a client" when discussing a scheduled meeting or consultation. Use "serve a client" when referring to providing services or assistance.