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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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By prior appointment only

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by prior appointment only" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to indicate that something must be done after making an appointment beforehand. For example, "The museum is open to visitors by prior appointment only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The man attended by prior appointment and was not arrested.

News & Media

Independent

She also cooks a mean feast (by prior appointment), with a unique Indo-Portuguese menu: highlights include bacalhau (salt cod) and rissóis de camarão (prawn dumplings).

All persons interviewed agreed to do so by prior appointment as part of their professional attachment to the institutions.

They are accessible only via prior appointment and just 500 people looked at the collection in the last year.

News & Media

The Guardian

Open by appointment only.

News & Media

Independent

By appointment only.

News & Media

The New York Times

Tasting by appointment only.

Relatives by Appointment Only".

News & Media

The New York Times

Otherwise, by appointment only.

Tours by appointment only.

Hours: by appointment only.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "by prior appointment only", ensure that contact information or instructions on how to make an appointment are clearly provided. This avoids confusion and facilitates the booking process.

⚠ Common error

Avoid simply stating "by prior appointment only" without providing instructions on how to schedule the appointment. Always include relevant contact details or a link to an online booking system.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by prior appointment only" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a condition for access or service. As Ludwig AI explains, it specifies that something must be done after making an appointment beforehand. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

⚠ Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by prior appointment only" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that something requires a pre-arranged booking. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It functions as an adverbial phrase, informing people about the necessity of making an appointment in advance. Its register is professional and neutral, fitting seamlessly into news, business, and scientific contexts. Remember to provide clear instructions on how to book an appointment when using this phrase.

FAQs

What does "by prior appointment only" mean?

The phrase "by prior appointment only" means that access, service, or entry is granted only if an appointment has been scheduled and confirmed in advance.

How do I use "by prior appointment only" in a sentence?

You can use "by prior appointment only" to indicate that a service or location requires a pre-scheduled booking. For example, "The gallery is open /s/to+the+public+by+appointment only" or "Consultations are /s/available+by+appointment only".

What is a more formal alternative to "by prior appointment only"?

A more formal alternative to "by prior appointment only" is "advance booking is required" or "admission is by appointment only".

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "by prior appointment only"?

It's best not to use "by prior appointment only" if walk-ins or spontaneous visits are generally accepted. Instead, use it when scheduling in advance is a strict requirement.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: