customer's

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "customer's" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate possession, referring to something that belongs to or is associated with a customer. Example: "The customer's feedback is essential for improving our services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's the customer's business.

Huffington Post

"It's about keeping the customer's good will".

The New York Times

Customer's error".

The New Yorker

The customer's response?

The New Yorker

The customer's always right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her receipt read, "Customer's Own Feathers".

The New Yorker

One server makes each customer's salad.

The New Yorker

You see it on the customer's face".

The New York Times

Toyota is a customer's company," he says.

The Economist

"You have to respect the customer's money.

The New York Times

The barber is cutting a customer's hair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a synonym like "client's" in formal business contexts or "consumer's" when emphasizing the act of consumption.

Common error

Avoid using "customers" (plural) when you intend to show possession by a single customer. "Customers'" (plural possessive) indicates that something belongs to multiple customers. For example, instead of writing 'customers feedback', write "customer's feedback" to indicate feedback from a single customer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "customer's" primarily functions as a possessive noun, indicating ownership or association. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it is grammatically correct. It modifies another noun to show that something belongs to or is related to a customer. For example, "customer's order" uses "customer's" to specify whose order it is.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "customer's" is a grammatically correct and very common possessive noun used to denote ownership or association with a single customer. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is versatile, appearing across various registers from neutral news articles to more formal business documents. When writing, ensure clarity by using "customer's" for singular possession and distinguishing it from "customers'" for plural possession. Consider synonyms like "client's" for more formal contexts. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "customer's" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

client's

A more formal synonym for "customer's", often used in business contexts.

consumer's

Focuses on the individual as a consumer of goods or services.

shopper's

Specifically refers to someone who is actively shopping.

buyer's

Emphasizes the act of purchasing.

patron's

Suggests a regular or loyal customer, often in the context of arts or hospitality.

user's

Common in the context of services and products.

purchaser's

A more formal alternative to buyer's.

guest's

Used in the context of hospitality, like hotels or restaurants.

subscriber's

Applicable for subscription-based services.

member's

Used for individuals who are part of a membership program.

FAQs

How do I use "customer's" in a sentence?

Use "customer's" to show possession or association with a single customer. For example: "The "customer's" satisfaction is our top priority" or "We value the "customer's" opinion".

What is the difference between "customer's" and "customers'"?

"Customer's" shows possession by a single customer (e.g., "customer's" order), while "customers'" indicates possession by multiple customers (e.g., "customers'" feedback). Using "customer" refers to an individual, while customers refer to a group.

When should I use "client's" instead of "customer's"?

"Client's" is a more formal term often used in professional service industries like law or consulting. In general retail or service contexts, "customer's" is perfectly acceptable. Consider using "client's" when the relationship is ongoing and involves a higher degree of personalized service.

Are there any alternatives to using the possessive form "customer's"?

Yes, you can often rephrase the sentence to avoid the possessive. For example, instead of "the customer's request", you could say "the request from the customer" or "the customer request". Sometimes, "of the customer" can replace "customer's".