ordinary customers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary customers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to typical or average consumers who do not have any special status or privileges. Example: "The store offers discounts to ordinary customers every Tuesday to encourage more foot traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such behaviour puts ordinary customers at risk of having to share the consequences of failed investments.

The Guardian

But the problem goes far beyond privacy issues for journalists or ordinary customers.

The New York Times

Nigeria's banks have made so much money from foreign-exchange arbitrage that few bother much with ordinary customers.

The Economist

When a company goes into liquidation, its ordinary customers stand very little chance of getting their money back.

The Guardian - Money

Its revised timetable suggests that Waltons is not fretting that it will lose many of its ordinary customers.

The New York Times

The [derivative] arrangements would not have been made available to ordinary customers of the bank in an arm's-length transaction".

The Guardian - Business

Some experts point out that deceptive tactics can inadvertently ensnare ordinary customers and possibly pose liability risks.

The Washington Post

I asked, with some indignation, why ordinary customers like me were being deprived of what was, after all, a fairly basic facility.

Independent

Despite the controversy, the appeal of the mass affluent segment is clear — they can generate nearly twice the revenue of ordinary customers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

President Reagan was the first sitting president to dine as an ordinary customer at a public restaurant, but the restaurant was Le Cirque; no cameras were allowed.

The New York Times

Virgin's common denominator between brands is its unconventional approach to marketing and its 'flying in the face of ordinary' customer service.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about customers, consider if "ordinary customers" accurately represents your target audience, or if a more specific descriptor would be more effective. For example, if you are referring to customers who are not part of a loyalty program, specify that.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary customers" when you're actually referring to a specific demographic or segment of your customer base. Using more precise language will improve clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary customers" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable. It refers to the standard or average consumers of a product or service.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordinary customers" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term for referring to typical consumers without special status. Ludwig examples show it frequently appears in news and business contexts, serving to differentiate standard customers from VIPs or other distinct groups. While acceptable, consider using alternative phrases like "typical consumers" or "average patrons" depending on the specific context. Be mindful of potential negative connotations and strive for inclusive language in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical consumers

Focuses on the commonality and representativeness of the customers.

average patrons

Highlights the standard or expected behavior of customers.

regular clientele

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the customer base.

everyday shoppers

Stresses the routine aspect of shopping for these customers.

common consumers

Highlights the non-specialized nature of these customers.

standard customers

Implies that these customers receive the usual or expected level of service.

general public

Broadens the scope to include anyone who might be a customer.

usual buyers

Highlights the routine purchasing habits of these customers.

everyday consumers

Focuses on the daily consumption habits of typical consumers.

typical buyers

Emphasizes the representativeness of the buying habits of these customers.

FAQs

What does "ordinary customers" mean?

"Ordinary customers" refers to typical or average consumers who do not have any special status, privileges, or differentiating characteristics from the broader customer base. They are the standard, everyday patrons of a business.

What can I say instead of "ordinary customers"?

You can use alternatives like "typical consumers", "average patrons", or "regular clientele" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to refer to my customers as "ordinary customers"?

It depends on the context. While grammatically correct, "ordinary customers" can sound dismissive. Consider using alternatives such as "typical customers" or "valued customers" to convey a more positive tone.

How do I differentiate "ordinary customers" from VIP customers in my writing?

When discussing different customer tiers, clearly define the characteristics that separate "ordinary customers" from VIPs. For example, you might state: "Our loyalty program offers exclusive benefits to VIP members, while "typical consumers" receive standard services."