fellow customers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fellow customers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to other customers in a shared context, often to create a sense of community or camaraderie. Example: "As we wait for our orders, I want to thank my fellow customers for their patience during this busy time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Algorithms help marketers utilize customer-specific knowledge — demographics, previous behavior, fellow customers' choices — to craft customized offers and deliver them, often in real time.

Harvard Business Review

But noting the general condition of his fellow customers, he offered researchers a suggestion.

The New York Times - Food

There, in a seemingly mundane setting filled with fellow customers and store employees, Eric vanishes.

The Washington Post

And it doesn't hurt that everyone, fellow customers and servers alike, is Minnesota Nice.

The Washington Post

Even my fellow customers seem to look on me as a harmless eccentric rather than a troublemaking time-waster.

The Guardian

But I also go there for a sense of community, knowing that I am profoundly connected to my fellow customers by a love of books.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A fellow customer told Mr. Bellow that he looked rather familiar, the story goes.

The New York Times

Potential insurgents are far more likely to trust a fellow customer than to you.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Oliveira, a Portuguese native, stands on the sidewalk holding his bread purchases and chatting with a fellow customer.

The New York Times

Last month a man was stabbed at a Maryland post office by a fellow customer who mistakenly thought he'd cut in line.

The New York Times

A fellow customer overheard me and said he'd pitch in, yet he couldn't help wondering aloud, "Why would anyone else even want to buy the stock?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fellow customers" to foster a sense of community and shared experience among people using the same service or product. For example, a bookstore might use it to describe people browsing the shelves.

Common error

Avoid using "fellow customers" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral terms like "customers" or "clients" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fellow customers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fellow customers" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to other individuals sharing a commercial experience. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While highly frequent in "News & Media", it's essential to consider the context; more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like ""other patrons"" or simply ""other customers"". The phrase often carries a connotation of shared experience or community, making it particularly suitable for scenarios where a sense of camaraderie is present. However, overuse in formal writing should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

other customers

More generic and widely applicable, lacks the connotation of camaraderie.

other patrons

More formal and often used in establishments like theaters or restaurants.

fellow shoppers

Specifically refers to customers in a retail or shopping environment.

co-customers

More technical and less common, emphasizes the shared customer status.

other consumers

Broader term encompassing anyone who consumes goods or services.

other guests

Suitable for hospitality contexts like hotels or resorts.

members of the public

Very broad, includes anyone present, not just customers.

our clientele

Refers to a specific business's customer base, suggesting exclusivity.

the buying public

Refers to all consumers in a particular market or region.

people present

Generic term for individuals in a particular location.

FAQs

How can I use "fellow customers" in a sentence?

You can use "fellow customers" to refer to other individuals sharing the same service or space, like "I struck up a conversation with my fellow customers while waiting in line".

What's a good alternative to "fellow customers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "other patrons", "other shoppers", or simply "other customers".

Is "fellow customers" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fellow customers" may sound too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider using "clients" or "patrons" in formal settings.

How does "fellow customers" differ from "other customers"?

"Fellow customers" often implies a sense of camaraderie or shared experience, whereas "other customers" is a more neutral and general term.