by catering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by catering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of providing services or products tailored to meet specific needs or preferences. Example: "The company increased its market share by catering to the unique demands of its customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she supplements her income by catering.

The New York Times

It promotes equality by catering for different types of learning.

The Guardian

The town lives by catering to a thirst for danger.

The Guardian

It oils the wheels of international trade, by catering to business parties and city slickers.

The Economist

The boutique hoteliers are all doing well enough by catering to mainly foreign clientele.

The New York Times

From that moment on, the city built its business by catering to gamblers from surrounding states.

The New Yorker

Samuel L. Clemens also owned a house, which is now used by catering service.

The New York Times

"Funny thing is," said Mr. Pendergrass, "we keep afloat by catering to the third-world clientele.

The New York Times

By catering to business travelers, its occupancy rate quickly rose to 87percentt.

The New York Times

You don't come up with a quesadilla burger by catering to dieters.

The New York Times - Food

The company hopes to further increase its growth now by catering to Massachusetts couples.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by catering" to clearly convey that an action is being taken to specifically meet the needs or preferences of a particular group or market segment. For example, "The restaurant increased its sales by catering to gluten-free diners."

Common error

Avoid using "by catering" in situations where the meaning is already clear without it. For instance, instead of saying "The hotel attracted more guests by catering to their comfort", you can simply say "The hotel attracted more guests by prioritizing their comfort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by catering" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the method or means by which an action is accomplished. As Ludwig confirms, it is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the provision of services or products tailored to specific needs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by catering" is a versatile prepositional phrase frequently used to describe the provision of tailored services or products to meet specific needs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While commonly found in news and media, its register leans toward professional contexts. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "by serving" or "through providing" depending on the intended nuance. Be mindful of overuse and potential redundancy to maintain concise and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by serving

Indicates actively attending to the requirements or desires of others.

through accommodating

Highlights making adjustments or concessions to fulfill needs.

through providing

Emphasizes the means or method used to supply something.

by tailoring

Focuses on customizing or adapting something to specific requirements.

by customising

Similar to tailoring, but can imply a more extensive or detailed personalization.

via supplying

Focuses on the channel or route through which something is furnished.

through adapting

Emphasizes the process of modifying or adjusting to suit particular conditions.

by provisioning

Suggests a more formal or official act of supplying necessary resources.

via addressing

Suggests dealing with specific issues or concerns to meet needs.

by targeting

Focuses on directing efforts or resources towards a specific group or need.

FAQs

How can I use "by catering" in a sentence?

You can use "by catering" to indicate that a particular action or strategy is being used to satisfy specific needs or desires. For example, "The company expanded its market share "by catering" to younger consumers".

What are some alternatives to "by catering"?

Some alternatives to "by catering" include "by serving", "through providing", or "by accommodating". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by catering to" and "by serving"?

While both phrases indicate fulfilling needs, "by catering to" often implies a more specialized or tailored approach, whereas ""by serving"" can be more general. For example, a restaurant caters to dietary restrictions, but serves all customers.

When is it best to use "by catering" over other similar phrases?

Use "by catering" when you want to emphasize the act of specifically tailoring services or products to meet particular preferences or needs. It suggests a deliberate effort to accommodate a certain demographic or requirement.