long-standing client

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'long-standing client' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe clients or customers who have been doing business with a company for a long time. For example: Our company has several long-standing clients who have been using our services for over 10 years.

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mentions his long-standing client Rina Kerzner.

The New Yorker

America's exports in particular are helped by a long-standing client base, which orders upgrades, spare parts and support services every year.

The Economist

The investigation is over the alleged bilking of a long-standing client: Dmitry Rybolovlev, an oligarch who made his fortune in fertilisers and owns the principality's football club.

The Economist

The court case will highlight the role of Citigroup, which advised EMI on the sale but also provided debt finance to Terra Firma – a long-standing client.

The Guardian - Business

The Oman Construction Co, a Willbros Group operating unit, has won an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for multiple pipelines in the Lekhwair field area from the company's long-standing client Petroleum Development Oman.

Pump Industry Analyst

"His proven management and investment skills, combined with his long-standing client relationships and strong track record in the real estate industry, make him ideally suited to help drive Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing forward".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Clients like Nike, Coca-Cola, J. C. Penney and Macy's are among NPD's long-standing clients.

The New York Times

"These are all long-standing clients, so for the time being we have not considered raising prices or switching to invoicing in another currency.

The New York Times

It emerged last month that Hargreaves Lansdown, Britain's biggest fund supermarket, charges up to £600 to sort out the affairs of anyone who has died – including long-standing clients.

The Guardian - Money

The figures reflect a busy period in which the firm advised London's 2012 Olympic bid and the UK Government's public information service, promoted Bill Clinton's book tour, and continued to handle PR for long-standing clients such as Pepsi and AOL.

The Guardian

Retain long-standing clients.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long-standing client", consider including specific details to illustrate the value of this relationship. For example, mention the number of years they have been a client or notable projects you have collaborated on.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding client" when you mean "long-standing client". "Outstanding" refers to excellence, while "long-standing" refers to duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-standing client" functions as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "long-standing" describes the quality of the client relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long-standing client" is a grammatically sound and professionally appropriate way to describe a client with whom a business has enjoyed a sustained relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and real-world examples from news and media outlets, business publications, and even scientific contexts demonstrate its versatility. While alternatives like "established customer" and "loyal client" exist, "long-standing client" uniquely emphasizes the duration of the relationship. It's crucial to avoid confusion with terms like "outstanding client", which focuses on merit rather than longevity. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey the strength and stability of their business connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-term customer

Stresses the duration of the business relationship.

established customer

Focuses on the customer's history with the business.

loyal client

Emphasizes the client's dedication and repeat business.

valued customer

Highlights the importance of the client to the business.

sustained client

Stresses continuous client engagement.

regular patron

Suggests a consistent and habitual use of services.

tenured customer

Analogous to academic tenure, suggesting a secure and prolonged relationship.

key account

Indicates the client's strategic importance to the company.

legacy client

Highlights that the client is of significant historical value and has been around for a very long time.

historical client

Focuses on past engagements.

FAQs

How can I use "long-standing client" in a sentence?

You can use "long-standing client" to describe a client who has maintained a business relationship with a company for an extended period, such as: "Our firm has maintained a strong relationship with several "long-standing clients" for over a decade".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "long-standing client"?

Alternatives include "established customer", "loyal client", or "long-term customer", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "long-standing client" in formal business communication?

Yes, "long-standing client" is appropriate for formal business communication, such as reports, presentations, and correspondence. It conveys a sense of stability and trust.

What's the difference between a "long-standing client" and a "potential client"?

A "long-standing client" has an established history with your business, while a "potential client" is someone you are trying to acquire as a new customer. The former represents existing revenue, while the latter represents a future opportunity.