by appointment

USAGE SUMMARY

"by appointment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where you need to make it clear that something needs to be done, or be available, only by prior arrangement. For example: "Our office is open to the public only by appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By appointment.

The New York Times

Open by appointment only.

Independent

Or by appointment.

The New York Times - Travel

Free tours by appointment.

The New York Times

Tours are by appointment.

The New York Times

By appointment only.

The New York Times

Private tours are by appointment.

The New York Times

Dances are arranged by appointment.

The New York Times - Arts

Saturdays and Sundays by appointment.

The New York Times

Visits and tastings by appointment.

The New York Times - Travel

Mish is open by appointment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when deciding whether to use "by appointment" or a more descriptive alternative; formality can influence comprehension.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "by appointment" without providing contact information or instructions for making the appointment. Always include how to schedule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by appointment" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the condition under which an action or service is available. Ludwig's examples show it describing how tours, visits, or consultations are conducted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by appointment" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a service or meeting requires advance scheduling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it is particularly common in news and academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear instructions on how to schedule the appointment. Consider alternatives such as "with prior arrangement" or "on a scheduled basis" to adjust the tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with prior arrangement

Emphasizes the need for arrangement before something can occur; slightly more formal.

on a scheduled basis

Highlights the structured and regular scheduling of events or meetings.

with advanced booking

Focuses on the action of booking in advance, particularly useful in service contexts.

through prior scheduling

Highlights that scheduling needs to happen beforehand.

upon prearrangement

A more formal and less common way to indicate a prior arrangement is necessary.

via reservation

Specifically refers to reserving a spot or service beforehand.

after making arrangements

Emphasizes the action of making the arrangements before the event.

when scheduled ahead of time

Specifies that scheduling must occur before the event takes place.

subject to scheduling

Indicates that something is dependent on the scheduling process.

as per pre-set timetable

Suggests adherence to a pre-established schedule or timetable.

FAQs

How do I use "by appointment" in a sentence?

Use "by appointment" to indicate that a service, meeting, or access is only available if scheduled in advance. For example, "Tours are available "by appointment" only."

What's the difference between "by appointment" and "walk-ins welcome"?

"By appointment" means you must schedule in advance, while "walk-ins welcome" indicates that you can receive service without prior scheduling.

Which is correct, "by appointments" or "by appointment"?

"By appointment" is the correct and standard usage. "By appointments" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What can I say instead of "by appointment"?

You can use alternatives like "with prior arrangement", "on a scheduled basis", or "with advanced booking" depending on the context.