The setting often helps you choose the natural word.
The idea
A customer typically buys goods or services, especially in a shop. A client often receives professional services or advice.
| Word | Typical situation |
|---|---|
| customer | buys goods or services, especially in a shop |
| client | receives professional services or advice |
Examples
- A customer bought a loaf at the bakery.
- The customer returned the shoes to the shop.
- Customers can order lunch at the counter.
- The lawyer met a client to discuss the contract.
- Our design agency sends each client a project plan.
- A financial adviser helped the client plan for retirement.
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Watch out
Do not assume that every person paying for a service must be a client: a café normally has customers. The terms can overlap.
Try it yourself
Choose the usual word. A person buying a newspaper at a kiosk is a ___. (customer / client)
Show answer or example answer
customer
customer: The person buys a newspaper at a kiosk.
Choose the usual word. The architect showed the house plans to a ___. (customer / client)
Show answer or example answer
client
client: The architect provides a professional service.
Choose the usual word. A supermarket thanked each ___ at the checkout. (customer / client)
Show answer or example answer
customer
customer: The supermarket is a retail setting.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the usual word. A person buying a newspaper at a kiosk is a ___. (customer / client)
Choose the usual word. The architect showed the house plans to a ___. (customer / client)
Choose the usual word. A supermarket thanked each ___ at the checkout. (customer / client)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a shop visitor and someone receiving professional advice.