the shopkeeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the shopkeeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person who owns or manages a shop or store. Example: "The shopkeeper greeted me with a warm smile as I entered the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I asked the shopkeeper.

The New York Times - Food

"No," the shopkeeper replied.

The New Yorker

The shopkeeper is not convinced.

The New York Times

"You deaf?" the shopkeeper said.

The New Yorker

The shopkeeper sighed.

The New York Times

The shopkeeper said "cheerio".

The Guardian - Travel

The shopkeeper asks me where I live.

The Economist

"Better soil than here," the shopkeeper explained.

The New Yorker

Verka the shopkeeper steals and parties.

The New Yorker

Noticing my interest, the shopkeeper said.

The New York Times

"He knocked it off!" the shopkeeper said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the shopkeeper" when you want to specifically refer to the person who manages or owns a shop, distinguishing them from other employees or individuals.

Common error

Be careful not to use "the shopkeeper" when referring to someone who only works in a shop but doesn't own or manage it. Use "the salesperson" or "the clerk" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the shopkeeper" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a definite noun phrase. It identifies a specific person, the owner or manager of a shop. Ludwig shows many examples in which "the shopkeeper" is the subject of a sentence or clause, performing actions or making statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the shopkeeper" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the owner or manager of a shop. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing numerous examples from reliable news sources. While synonyms like "store owner" or "retailer" exist, "the shopkeeper" maintains a specific connotation of someone directly involved in the day-to-day operations of a smaller retail establishment. Therefore, context is important when using this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the store owner

Replaces "shopkeeper" with a more general term for someone who owns a store.

the store manager

Focuses on the managerial role within the shop, rather than ownership.

the retailer

A more formal term indicating someone who sells goods to the public.

the vendor

Suggests someone who sells goods, potentially in a market or temporary setting.

the merchant

A more archaic term for someone engaged in trade or commerce.

the salesperson

Highlights the act of selling goods within the shop.

the proprietor

Emphasizes ownership and control of the shop.

the business owner

Broadens the scope to include any type of business ownership, not just shops.

the tradesperson

Indicates someone skilled in a particular trade who sells goods related to that trade.

the seller

A general term for anyone who sells something.

FAQs

How can I use "the shopkeeper" in a sentence?

You can use "the shopkeeper" to describe the owner or manager of a store, as in "The shopkeeper said that the item was on sale".

What is a synonym for "the shopkeeper"?

Synonyms for "the shopkeeper" include "the store owner", "the retailer", or "the merchant" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shopkeeper" or "storekeeper"?

Both "shopkeeper" and "storekeeper" are correct and can be used interchangeably, although "shopkeeper" might be more common in British English while "storekeeper" is more common in American English.

What's the difference between "the shopkeeper" and "the salesperson"?

"The shopkeeper" refers to the owner or manager of a shop, while "the salesperson" refers to someone who works in a shop and sells goods or services.