B2 verb Neutral

client

/ˈklaɪənt/

A client is a person or organization that uses the professional services or advice of another person or company. It typically implies a formal, ongoing relationship involving specialized skills, such as those provided by lawyers, accountants, or consultants.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I'm sorry I'm late; a client called me just as I was leaving the office.

I'm sorry I'm late; a client called me just as I was leaving the office.

2

The firm is strictly bound by professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of every client.

The firm is strictly bound by professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of every client.

3

My freelance client is really chill and usually gives me plenty of time for projects.

My freelance client is really chill and usually gives me plenty of time for projects.

Word Family

Noun
client
Adjective
client-centered
Related
clientele
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the CL in Client standing for Consult: a Client is someone who Consults a professional.

Quick Quiz

The architect presented the blueprints to the ____ for final approval.

Correct!

The correct answer is: client

Examples

1

I'm sorry I'm late; a client called me just as I was leaving the office.

everyday

I'm sorry I'm late; a client called me just as I was leaving the office.

2

The firm is strictly bound by professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of every client.

formal

The firm is strictly bound by professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of every client.

3

My freelance client is really chill and usually gives me plenty of time for projects.

informal

My freelance client is really chill and usually gives me plenty of time for projects.

4

The study analyzes the correlation between client satisfaction and the frequency of service interventions.

academic

The study analyzes the correlation between client satisfaction and the frequency of service interventions.

5

We need to focus on our high-value corporate clients to ensure long-term revenue stability.

business

We need to focus on our high-value corporate clients to ensure long-term revenue stability.

Word Family

Noun
client
Adjective
client-centered
Related
clientele

Common Collocations

potential client potential client
client base client base
loyal client loyal client
corporate client corporate client
client relationship client relationship

Common Phrases

prospective client

prospective client

client-side

client-side

attorney-client privilege

attorney-client privilege

Often Confused With

client vs customer

A 'customer' usually buys physical goods from a shop, while a 'client' pays for professional services or long-term expertise.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'client' when referring to professional relationships in law, finance, advertising, or healthcare. In modern software, it also refers to the program that requests data from a server.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'customer' for everyone who pays for something. Remember that you are a 'client' of a lawyer, but a 'customer' of a grocery store.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the CL in Client standing for Consult: a Client is someone who Consults a professional.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'cliens', which referred to a person under the protection and patronage of another.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun; plural: clients Often used with verbs like 'advise', 'represent', or 'serve'
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western business culture, calling someone a 'client' rather than a 'customer' often implies a higher level of status and personalized service.

Quick Quiz

The architect presented the blueprints to the ____ for final approval.

Correct!

The correct answer is: client

Related Words

badly

A1

In a way that is not good, effective, or successful. It can also be used to mean 'very much' when you want or need something a lot.

lineup

A1

A lineup is a group of people or things organized in a specific order for an event or purpose. It is often used to describe players on a sports team, performers at a concert, or a list of products.

thoughtful

A1

Thoughtful describes someone who is kind and thinks about the needs or feelings of others. It can also describe a person who is thinking deeply or carefully about a specific subject.

skull

A1

The skull is the hard, bony structure that forms the head in humans and animals. Its main purpose is to protect the brain and support the shape of the face.

recipient

A1

A recipient is a person or group that receives something, such as a letter, a gift, or an award. It is a formal way to describe the person on the receiving end of an action or object.

shy

A1

Shy describes a person who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or timid around other people. It often involves a lack of confidence in social situations or a hesitation to speak and interact with strangers.

shorts

A1

Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.

meadow

A1

A meadow is a field covered with grass and often wildflowers. It is a natural area where grass is allowed to grow freely, often used for animals to graze or for people to enjoy nature.

disrupt

A1

To stop something from happening in the normal way or to cause a problem that interrupts a process. It is often used when an event or a system is forced to change its usual flow.

scary

A1

Something that is scary makes you feel afraid or frightened. It is often used to describe things like horror movies, monsters, or dangerous situations that cause a feeling of fear.

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