by appointment

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Only after arranging a time in advance, not by just walking in.

   Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase, often after verbs like see, visit, or open: The gallery is open by appointment.

   Patterns

   • be open by appointment
   • see someone by appointment
   • visit by appointment

   The doctor sees patients by appointment only, so call before you come.

   You can visit the studio by appointment if you email them first.

   The restaurant is open by appointment for private parties.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseformal

   As a result of being chosen for a job or position, especially in government.

   Grammar: Used after verbs like hold, take, or receive: She took the post by appointment.

   Patterns

   • hold a position by appointment
   • take office by appointment

   He served as ambassador by appointment of the president.

   The judge holds her position by appointment, not by election.

Common combinations

by appointment only

The tailor's shop is by appointment only on Sundays.

open by appointment

The gallery is open by appointment during the winter.

available by appointment

Tours are available by appointment for groups of ten or more.

see someone by appointment

You can see the manager by appointment if you call ahead.

Synonyms and how they differ

on schedule

This means at a planned time, but it does not necessarily mean you had to arrange the time in advance.

by prior arrangement

This is more formal and emphasizes that the arrangement was made earlier; it is common in official notices.

Opposites

Word family

appointment noun

A time you have arranged to meet someone or receive a service.

appoint verb

To choose someone for a job or position.

Commonly confused: by appointment or by appoinment?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “by appointment”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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