clients

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'clients' can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to customers who seek out and pay for professional services. Example sentence: Our company is proud to have over 500 satisfied clients.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So why aren't customers and clients moving on?

The Economist

I intend to continue listening to our clients and letting them influence how the business develops in the future.

The Guardian

Andries Nkome, who is also representing the Association of Mineworkers and Construction union, said: "Our clients are taking credit that they were able to get the president to commit to release the report but he is still treating them with contempt, having ignored their request for a commitment by 2pm on Sunday and waiting to address parliament instead".

The Guardian

We provide a service – dog walking – and are already at the max of what clients will pay.

The Guardian - Business

With a team and cooking of this quality, a packed room of contented clients – the set lunch is a steal – why would she care?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The facility was even unknown to Rob Warden, the founder of Northwestern University Law School's Center on Wrongful Convictions, until the Guardian informed him of the allegations of clients who vanish into inherently coercive police custody.

The Guardian

Three attorneys interviewed by the Guardian report being personally turned away from Homan Square between 2009 and 2013 without being allowed access to their clients.

The Guardian

"Most clients don't want to talk about it," he says.

The Guardian - Money

Now: Walker went on to establish his own public relations consultancy, with clients from the chemical and plastics industries.

The Guardian

His tastes are harder to pin down: seemingly willing to turn his hand to whatever his clients desire, he builds folksy cottages in the Chilterns with one hand, while erecting soaring glass totems in China with the other.

The Guardian - Arts

These included a syndicate of German, Italian, Belgian and French clients who called themselves "the Euroshots", paid £30,000 between them for a day's shooting and enjoyed its unique atmosphere.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "clients", always use respectful and professional language to foster trust and strong business relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "clients" and "customers" interchangeably. "Clients" typically engage in ongoing professional relationships, while "customers" may only make one-time purchases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clients" is that of a plural noun, typically functioning as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes individuals or entities that receive services from a professional or business. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clients" is a very common and grammatically correct term referring to individuals or entities receiving professional services. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using "clients", ensure a professional tone and differentiate it from "customers", which implies a more transactional relationship. Related terms include ""customers"", "patrons", and "beneficiaries", each carrying slightly different connotations. Remember to maintain respectful language and avoid confusing it with similar terms to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customers

Broader term that includes anyone who purchases goods or services, not necessarily requiring a professional relationship.

customers

General term for individuals purchasing services or goods from a business.

patrons

Implies a more regular and supportive relationship, often used for businesses like restaurants or theaters.

consumers

General term for individuals who use goods or services.

account holders

Specific to financial services or subscription-based services where individuals maintain accounts.

purchasers

Focuses on the act of buying a product or service.

patients

Specifically refers to individuals receiving medical care or services.

service recipients

Highlights the act of receiving a service, often used in social work or government contexts.

beneficiaries

Emphasizes the benefit received from a service, often used in legal or charitable contexts.

constituents

Refers to individuals represented by an elected official or organization.

FAQs

How do I use "clients" in a sentence?

"Clients" is the plural form of client, referring to multiple individuals or organizations who receive services from a professional or business. Example: "Our firm provides legal services to a diverse range of "clients"."

What's the difference between "clients" and "customers"?

"Clients" typically have an ongoing, professional relationship with a service provider, while "customers" usually engage in one-time transactions. Lawyers have "clients"; stores have "customers".

What are some synonyms for "clients"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like ""customers"", "patrons", "patients", or "account holders".

Is it appropriate to use "clients" in formal writing?

Yes, "clients" is perfectly appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business, legal, and professional contexts. It clearly conveys a professional service relationship.