by appointment only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by appointment only" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a service or meeting is available only to those who have scheduled a specific time in advance. Example: "Our consulting services are available by appointment only, so please call ahead to secure your time slot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Open by appointment only.

Independent

By appointment only.

The New York Times

Relatives by Appointment Only".

The New York Times

Otherwise, by appointment only.

The New York Times - Food

Tasting by appointment only.

The Guardian - Travel

Tours by appointment only.

The New York Times - Arts

Hours: by appointment only.

The New York Times

Free brewery tours available by appointment only.

The New York Times - Travel

Undisclosed location, by appointment only; fultonryder.com.

The New York Times - Arts

4037 Judah Street; carvilleannex.com; by appointment only.

The New York Times

Now I'm by appointment only".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When stating that a service is "by appointment only", clearly provide contact information or instructions on how to schedule an appointment. This ensures clarity and convenience for potential clients or visitors.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "by appointment only" without providing details on how to make an appointment. Always include a phone number, email address, or website where scheduling can be arranged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by appointment only" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a condition for accessing a service or place. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by appointment only" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that a service or access is contingent on advance scheduling, as Ludwig confirms. Appearing frequently in contexts ranging from news and media to academic and formal settings, it serves to inform individuals of this requirement. While versatile, it is crucial to provide clear instructions on how to schedule an appointment. Alternatives like "appointments required" or "prior booking essential" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in formality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appointments required

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of conveying the same meaning.

reservation mandatory

Emphasizes the necessity of a reservation, often used for events or services with limited capacity.

prior booking essential

Highlights the importance of booking in advance, suitable for formal contexts.

scheduling needed

A more informal way to indicate that an appointment is necessary.

access upon request

Focuses on obtaining access by making a request beforehand.

viewing by arrangement

Specifically used when referring to viewing something, like a property or artwork.

consultation prerequisite

Indicates that a consultation is a necessary first step.

pre-arranged visits

Stresses that visits must be arranged in advance.

on a pre-booked basis

Formal phrasing emphasizing the importance of pre-booking.

please call to schedule

A polite way to instruct someone to call and arrange a time.

FAQs

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

Use "by appointment only" to indicate that a service, visit, or consultation requires advance scheduling. For example, "Our showroom is open "by appointment only"." Always provide instructions on how to make an appointment.

What's a more formal way to say "by appointment only"?

A more formal alternative to "by appointment only" is "prior booking essential" or "appointments are required". These phrases are suitable for business and academic contexts.

Are "by appointment only" and "by reservation only" interchangeable?

While similar, "by appointment only" is generally used for services like consultations, while "by reservation only" is often used for events or venues with limited space.

What are some alternatives to "by appointment only"?

You can use alternatives like "appointments required", "scheduling needed", or "access upon request" depending on the context.