what's a clerk?
1 Say, when you book a flight over the phone, can we call the person you talk to a clerk? what should we call him or her?

2 What about when you talk to inquire about your warranty, is that person called customer officer?

3 when you go to a bank and make a transfer of fund, what's that person who's assisting you called?

4 when you go to a library, what about the person who checks our your books?

So what's the rule of thumb here?
thanks.

Question

what's a clerk?
1 Say, when you book a flight over the phone, can we call the person you talk to a clerk? what should we call him or her?

2 What about when you talk to inquire about your warranty, is that person called customer officer?

3 when you go to a bank and make a transfer of fund, what's that person who's assisting you called?

4 when you go to a library, what about the person who checks our your books?

So what's the rule of thumb here?
thanks.

Answer

1. We don't really have a word for that.  You would probably say "the person (or man/woman) at the airport".
2. "Customer Service" is usually the name of the department that deals with issues like warranty.  Again, you would probably say "the person at the ___ store".
3. Banker
4. Librarian

I would say the rule of thumb is, if there is a specific word for a person who works at a place, use that.  If there isn't, say "the person at the ___".

The word "clerk" is somewhat dated.  It's used in formal situations, but in everyday language, I don't use it.  But it is comprehensible; an English speaker will understand what you mean if you use the word "clerk" in any of the situations you described.

Answer

"Customer service representative" is the catch-all term for a person who provides answers about a company's services and products. :-)

Answers · 4

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