clerk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clerk" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who works in a store or office and performs clerical tasks such as taking orders, processing paperwork, or providing customer service. Example Sentence: The clerk at the store was very helpful in finding the items I was looking for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bernstein has lived here for four decades, rising from lowliest clerk to chief executive.

The Guardian

The voice is of a retired deputy clerk in the judiciary.

The Guardian - Books

He fled the prospect of a life as a bank clerk for the stage, training in Vienna and making his debut in Zurich, before being discovered by Bertolt Brecht.

The Guardian - Film

We discovered we would need to print twice as many booklets because prisoners wanted to take them home to their families rather than return them to the court clerk.

The Guardian

Godders "Eight pints" Bloom was exiled for hurling a Nazi jibe, and the leader, Nigel Farage, famously went verbal at EU president Herman Van Rompuy, accusing him of having "all the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk".

The Guardian

In the coffee room, our ward clerk tells us how she used to party with George Michael and shows off the dance moves she's prepared for the Christmas party.

The Guardian

Sean Hodgson was freed by the court of appeal in March after it overturned his conviction for raping and killing gas board clerk Teresa de Simone in 1979.

The Guardian

While waiting for his first job, he volunteered as a dispatch clerk for Bennett and Colman, still, today, the publishers of the Times of India.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He got a job as an airline ticket clerk in Piccadilly in 1991, but left on an overseas trip in 1995, which turned out to be to a terrorist training camp in Kashmir.

The Guardian

I know the community council wrote objections to it, because I was still clerk then".

The Guardian

After an uncertain period in which I, among other things, sold brushes door-to-door, worked as a labourer in a steel mill and suffered periods of unemployment, I had a stroke of good fortune in 1968 when, working as a clerk at a sportswear manufacturers, I was accepted for training as a computer programmer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "clerk", consider the specific context. For example, use "shop assistant" or "retail associate" in a retail setting to be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "clerk" when a more specific title is appropriate. For example, using "clerk" instead of "accountant" when referring to someone managing financial records can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The word "clerk" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an individual who performs clerical duties. Ludwig AI states it is correct and can be used in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as "bank clerk" or "shop clerk".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clerk" is a common noun used to describe someone who performs clerical duties, often in an office or retail setting. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct for use in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples from Ludwig, it's a versatile term found frequently in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and other contexts. While grammatically sound and widely used, considering more specific alternatives like "shop assistant" or "administrative assistant" can enhance clarity depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

office assistant

Focuses more on general administrative tasks in an office setting.

shop assistant

Specifically refers to someone who helps customers in a retail store.

retail associate

A more modern and general term for someone working in retail.

sales representative

Emphasizes the sales aspect of the job.

administrative worker

Highlights the administrative duties performed.

records keeper

Emphasizes the role of managing and maintaining records.

data entry specialist

Focuses on the specific task of entering data into systems.

receptionist

Highlights the role of greeting and assisting visitors.

front desk employee

Refers to someone who works at the front desk of an establishment.

customer service representative

Emphasizes the customer interaction aspect of the job.

FAQs

How can I use "clerk" in a sentence?

You can use "clerk" to refer to someone who works in an office or store. For example, "The "clerk" assisted me with my purchase."

What is a synonym for "clerk"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "clerk" include "office assistant", "shop assistant", or "retail associate".

Is it appropriate to use "clerk" in a formal setting?

While "clerk" is generally acceptable, in formal settings, consider using more specific titles such as "administrative assistant" or "records officer".

What's the difference between "clerk" and "officer"?

"Clerk" typically refers to someone performing routine tasks, while "officer" suggests a higher level of responsibility and authority. For instance, a "court clerk" manages records, while a police officer enforces laws.