cater to

USAGE SUMMARY

"cater to" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to providing something to meet another person's needs or preferences. For example, "This restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary needs, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cater to kids.

The New York Times

Magazines cater to this insecurity.

The New York Times

My programs cater to individuals.

The New York Times

Lavish centers cater to housewives.

The New Yorker

Sections cater to all abilities.

Independent

Most cater to hikers.

The New York Times - Travel

I very much cater to her.

The New York Times

Why cater to "states" at all?

The New Yorker

Why not cater to human beings?

The New Yorker

"We cater to families," Ms. Spanbauer said.

The New York Times

We cater to large, sophisticated users.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cater to", clearly specify who or what is being catered to. For instance, "The hotel caters to families with young children."

Common error

Avoid using "cater to" when you mean simply "serve" or "provide" because it can sometimes imply excessive accommodation or even pandering. Choose a more neutral verb if that's the intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cater to" functions primarily as a transitive verb, indicating that a subject provides something in order to satisfy the needs or wants of a particular group or individual. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cater to" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of providing something that meets specific needs or preferences. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and usability in various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider potential connotations of excessive accommodation. Related phrases include "attend to", ""serve"", and ""accommodate"", each with slightly different nuances. When writing, ensure you specify who or what is being catered to, and avoid using it synonymously with "pander to" unless excessive indulgence is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet the needs of

Directly addresses fulfilling requirements.

attend to

Focuses more on providing care or service.

serve

Implies providing a specific service or product.

accommodate

Highlights making adjustments to suit someone's needs.

satisfy

Focuses on fulfilling desires or requirements.

provide for

Suggests supplying necessities or support.

take care of

Emphasizes responsibility and concern.

gear towards

Highlights tailoring something for a particular purpose or audience.

oblige

Suggests a sense of duty or willingness to please.

pander to

Implies excessive indulgence, often negatively.

FAQs

How do you use "cater to" in a sentence?

Use "cater to" to indicate that something is designed to satisfy a particular need or preference. For example, "This restaurant "caters to" vegetarian customers with a wide selection of plant-based dishes."

What can I say instead of "cater to"?

You can use alternatives like "attend to", "serve", or "accommodate" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "cater to" and "pander to"?

"Cater to" generally means to provide what is needed or desired, while "pander to" implies doing something primarily to please someone, often excessively or inappropriately.

Is it correct to say "cater for" instead of "cater to"?

While "cater for" is sometimes used, "cater to" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing, especially in American English.