值得注意的是,这个单词在非正式的口语或特定语境中,还会衍生出一些有趣的用法。它可以指“(某种类型的)家伙,人”,带有一定的感情色彩或评价意味。例如:
- He’s a cool customer. (他是个冷静的家伙。)
- Dealing with him is a tricky customer. (和他打交道是个难缠的主儿。)
5. **customer base** (客户群;客户基础):指一家企业拥有的所有顾客的集合。例如:The company has built a loyal customer base over the years.(多年来,这家公司建立了一个忠实的客户群。)
### 三、精选例句与深度分析
让我们通过几个贴近考试和生活的例句,来巩固对 **customer** 的理解和运用。
**例句1:**
> The store offers a discount to its regular customer every month.
> **解析:** 此句结构清晰,是典型的“主语 + 谓语 + 间接宾语 + 直接宾语”结构。其中 **offer a discount to sb.** 是固定搭配,意为“给某人提供折扣”。**regular customer** 点明了优惠对象。这句话在完形填空或阅读理解中常作为商业类文章的细节出现。
**例句2:**
> To win more customers, the company decided to improve its customer service.
> **解析:** 句首的不定式短语 **To win more customers** 作目的状语,意为“为了赢得更多顾客”。这里 **customers** 是泛指的复数形式。后半句的 **to improve its customer service** 作宾语补足语,说明决定的内容。这个句子很好地展示了“赢得顾客”与“改善服务”之间的逻辑关系,是写作中非常实用的句式。
**例句3:**
> As a seller, you should always listen to what your customer says with patience.
> **解析:** 这个句子包含了 **as** 引导的状语从句,意为“作为……”。主句中 **what your customer says** 是宾语从句,作 **listen to** 的宾语。**with patience** 是方式状语。整个句子强调了“倾听”在商业活动中的重要性。它提醒我们,**customer** 不仅仅是购买行为的执行者,更是需要被理解和尊重的主体。
**例句4:**
> A wise businessman knows that a satisfied customer is the best advertisement.
> **解析:** 这是一个包含 **that** 引导的宾语从句的复合句。**A satisfied customer is the best advertisement** (满意的顾客是最好的广告)是一句经典的商业谚语。它形象地说明了口碑营销的价值。在考试中,这样的句子可能作为主旨句出现,也可能在作文中引用。
### 四、典型试题解析
我们来看看在自考英语专升本考试中,涉及 **customer** 的题目可能会如何呈现。
**题型一:词汇与语法选择**
> The manager tried to explain to the __ that the product was out of stock.
> A. custom
> B. costume
> C. customer
> D. customarily
**题型二:完形填空(节选)**
> Many companies now use online surveys to collect feedback from their __ . This helps them understand what their target audience wants and how to improve their products to meet the needs of their __ .
> A. customers ... customers
> B. customs ... customs
> C. costumes ... costumes
> D. customers ... customs
**写作示例:**
> 题目:谈谈你对优质客户服务的看法。
> 范文开头:In today’s highly competitive market, a customer is no longer just a source of profit, but a valuable asset. To build a loyal customer base, a business must prioritize customer satisfaction. This can be achieved by providing excellent customer service, listening carefully to customer feedback, and promptly resolving customer complaints.
> **亮点:** 使用了 **customer is a valuable asset**(顾客是宝贵资产)和 **customer base**(客户群)等高级表达,并运用了 **prioritize**(优先考虑)、**promptly**(迅速地)等词汇,使论述更有深度和条理性。
**翻译示例:**
> 原文:这家公司始终把客户的利益放在第一位,因此赢得了大量忠实客户。
> 译文:The company always puts the interests of its customers first, thus winning a large number of loyal customers.
> **要点:** “把……放在第一位”可以译为 **put ... first**;“忠实客户”对应 **loyal customers**。这个翻译准确地传达了原文的含义,用词也符合英语习惯。
2. 增加近义词辨析:建议对比“customer”与“client”(客户,尤指专业服务对象,如律师、咨询公司)、“consumer”(消费者,更侧重使用行为)、“shopper”(购物者,强调购物行为本身)。例如: A lawyer’s client is not necessarily a customer. The consumer is concerned about product safety, not just price.
3. 语法细节提醒:在例句“listen to what your customer says”中,建议指出“customer”可用单数泛指一类人,也可用复数“customers”表示群体。写作时需注意主谓一致。
翻译题: 原文:只有不断倾听客户的声音,企业才能在激烈的市场竞争中立于不败之地。 参考译文:Only by constantly listening to the voice of customers can a company remain invincible in the fierce market competition. 解析:此句考查“only + 状语”倒装结构,以及“remain invincible”(立于不败之地)的固定表达。