customer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "customer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the person or the people who purchase products or services from a business. For example, "We appreciate all of our customers for their loyalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But once banks get a customer he's pretty much theirs for good.

The Economist

A successful sub-label in the Lauren empire, Polo peddles preppy classics to men but this was the first time the brand has created the equivalent wardrobe for its female customer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The customer said it had ruined Christmas.' Professor Richard Wiseman knows more about bad jokes than he'd like to.

The Guardian

"Since its very first exhibition in 2007, Harma Gallery has known great recognition, overcome visitors' expectations and gained popularity and customer loyalty very rapidly.

The Guardian

It's easily the most confident and coherent of this batch of pilots and, crucially, is killing it in customer response: it currently has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or you are there at the point of sale, which makes you accountable to the customer.

The Guardian

One driver was charged in San Francisco with assaulting a customer in June.

The Guardian - Tech

Levels of customer service are still probably the worst of any European capital, but truly egregious rudeness and aggression are now the exception rather than the norm, as a whole generation of Muscovites who have travelled the world no longer find surly, Soviet-style service acceptable at home.

The Guardian

To get a feel for how GPI differs from GDP, imagine two heating-oil trucks leaving from the same utility company: one safely completes its deliveries and the other has a major oil spill on the way to its first customer.

The Guardian

We don't have a store presence so this editorial enables us to engage with the customer in a way that you might in-store".

The Guardian

Gone are the days when all you needed was a winning smile, helpfulness and the ability to operate a low-tech till to satisfy customer needs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When focusing on customer satisfaction, use "customer" to emphasize the importance of meeting their needs and expectations.

Common error

While "customer" and "client" are often used interchangeably, avoid using "client" when referring to retail shoppers or casual buyers. "Client" is more appropriate for professional service relationships.

Linguistic Context

The word "customer" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an individual or entity that purchases goods or services. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as evidenced by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "customer" is a common and grammatically sound noun used to describe an individual or entity that purchases goods or services. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage is correct and applicable across a range of contexts. Its register is generally neutral, fitting for both formal business communications and casual news reports. Frequent use cases appear in news, media and business contexts. For alternatives, consider "client", "patron", or "consumer" depending on the situation. Pay attention to the context to ensure appropriate usage. One useful tip is to use it when focusing on satisfaction, while common mistake is using it instead of client.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

client

A more formal term for someone who receives services, often in a professional context.

consumer

Emphasizes the act of using or purchasing goods and services for personal use.

patron

Suggests a more loyal or regular "customer", often associated with arts or charitable organizations.

buyer

Similar to purchaser, highlighting the transactional aspect.

purchaser

Focuses on the act of buying something.

shopper

Specifically refers to someone who visits stores or shops to browse and buy.

user

Implies someone who utilizes a product or service, not necessarily a direct purchaser.

end user

Someone who ultimately uses a product or service, often after it has passed through intermediaries.

account holder

Used in financial contexts to describe someone who has an account with a bank or other institution.

service recipient

A formal way of referring to someone who receives a service.

FAQs

What's the difference between "customer" and "client"?

"Customer" generally refers to someone who purchases goods or services from a business. "Client" often implies a more professional or ongoing relationship with a service provider.

What can I say instead of "customer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "client", "consumer", "patron", or "buyer".

Is "customer" formal or informal?

"Customer" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

How do I ensure "customer" is used correctly in business writing?

Always use "customer" when referring to individuals who purchase products or services. Ensure your writing focuses on their needs, satisfaction, and overall experience with your business.