exclusive clientele

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exclusive clientele" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a select group of customers or clients who receive special services or privileges. Example: "The luxury hotel caters to an exclusive clientele, offering personalized services and high-end amenities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But an exclusive clientele is all that is sought.

The New York Times

For a profession associated with an exclusive clientele, this may seem an odd departure.

The Economist

She had come to Como in the North of Italy & established a small, exclusive clientele.

The New Yorker

The Gallery catered to an exclusive clientele — the target buyers for luxury makers.

The New York Times

Ho wants to attract a more exclusive clientele for Institute Sarita when it starts: moneyed housewives or unmarried girls from newly well-to-do families.

The New York Times

Mr. Levkovich could have chosen companies with a more exclusive clientele but decided to focus less on the superrich than on modestly well-off people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The venue is exclusive, the clientele elite and the networking first-class.

The Guardian - Opinion

For 27 years, the name Concorde has summoned images of an exclusive supersonic clientele: supermodels thumbing through magazines that may feature them on the cover; ambassadors who insist on being seated in 1A or 1B; actors who ask the cabin crew to make sure the seat next to them stays empty; and businessmen for whom time is most certainly money.

The New York Times

Mr Yagoda and Ms Franklin discuss "exclusive" and "selected clientele" among other euphemisms.

The Economist

Certainly, Bentley is a small car company (exceeding 10,000 in sales last year for the first time), catering to an exclusive and rich clientele.

The New York Times

When Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs got planning permission to turn the historic Manchester stock exchange into a boutique hotel replete with basement gym, spa and rooftop private members' terrace, they envisaged opening it up to an exclusive and moneyed clientele.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a business or service that caters to a select few, use "exclusive clientele" to emphasize the high standards, personalized attention, and prestige associated with that group.

Common error

Avoid using "exclusive clientele" when describing a relatively broad customer base. This phrase should be reserved for truly select groups, as overuse can dilute its meaning and appear disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exclusive clientele" functions as a noun phrase, where "exclusive" modifies the noun "clientele". It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a specific group of customers. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exclusive clientele" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a select group of customers, often associated with high-end services or products. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, and while less common, also appears in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the described customer base is genuinely select to maintain credibility and avoid diluting its intended meaning. Alternatives such as "select customer base" or "VIP client roster" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis to better suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

select customer base

Replaces 'clientele' with 'customer base', focusing on the customer aspect and implying a carefully chosen group.

high-end patrons

Uses 'patrons' to suggest a more supportive or loyal customer relationship and 'high-end' to emphasize the premium nature of the clientele.

upscale client group

Substitutes "exclusive" with "upscale" to convey a sense of luxury and high social status of the clients.

elite circle of clients

Highlights the exclusivity and prestige associated with the clientele using the term 'elite circle'.

privileged customer list

Focuses on the benefits and advantages enjoyed by the customers, suggesting they receive special treatment.

restricted access clientele

Emphasizes the limited availability and exclusivity of the service or product offered to the clientele.

VIP client roster

Utilizes "VIP" to indicate that the clients are considered very important people with personalized services.

premium service recipients

Highlights the aspect of receiving high-quality services, shifting the focus to the benefits received by the clientele.

by-invitation-only customers

Underscores the selective nature of the clientele, indicating that access is granted only through invitation.

luxury market segment

Shifts focus to the market segment, highlighting the characteristics of that particular clientele.

FAQs

How can I use "exclusive clientele" in a sentence?

You can use "exclusive clientele" to describe a business or service that caters to a select, often high-end, group of customers. For example, "The private club boasts an exclusive clientele of celebrities and business leaders."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "exclusive clientele"?

Alternatives include "select customer base", "high-end patrons", or "VIP client roster". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

What does it mean to have an "exclusive clientele"?

Having an "exclusive clientele" means that a business or service caters to a carefully chosen group of customers, often characterized by their wealth, status, or specific interests. This exclusivity often implies higher prices and personalized services.

Is it appropriate to use "exclusive clientele" to describe any customer base?

No, "exclusive clientele" should be reserved for situations where the customer base is truly select and limited. Using it to describe a broad or readily accessible customer base can be misleading and dilute the meaning of the word "exclusive".