catering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "catering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the food service industry, such as making arrangements for food to be supplied during large events. For example: "The company is providing catering for the upcoming wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The vanguard for this push is embodied by Pumphouse Point – a much talked about converted hydro facility on Lake St Clair that is catering to wilderness visitors who don't want to shiver in a tent amid the region's tempestuous weather.

The Guardian - Travel

As universities have developed more upmarket accommodation, many have bundled other services such as catering into accommodation packages, with no chance to opt out and hunt for cheaper alternatives.

The Guardian

Nowhere else in Amsterdam will you find a larger concentration of restaurants, cafés and bars catering to just about every class and taste.

The Guardian - Travel

Purpose-built communities such as those catering to expatriate workers in the Gulf states are another type.

The Guardian

"I still see them as catering to their base.

The Guardian

"Out here, restaurants are catering to tourists with quick, freezable foods".

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

This new addition to Cumbria's Luxury in a Farm collection of self-catering and catered accommodation is further evidence that rural doesn't always mean rustic.

The Guardian - Travel

The 14 self-catering rooms are almost like studio apartments, with kitchens in the corners, and are simply and brightly furnished, with aircon, television and daily cleaning – even of your dirty dishes.

The Guardian - Travel

With that caveat, it offers an attractive compromise between the convenience of a hotel and the independence of self-catering.

The Guardian - Travel

CV Travel's Italian World (020-7591 2833) offers a week's self-catering at the Palazzo Belmonte in a gallery apartment plus three days' half-board at the Hotel Palumbo in Ravello for ££1,274 per person including British Airways flights to Naples and transfers.

The Guardian - Travel

Self-catering chalets for two from £34, [phone], archrock.co.za With nothing but crashing waves and huge skies between you and Antarctica, you can't help but feel epic at Africa's southernmost point, Cape Agulhas, where a small monument marks the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing between "catering" and more formal alternatives like "food service" or "culinary services". Use the term that best fits the context.

Common error

Avoid using "catering" directly as a verb (except in its present participle form, such as "catering to"). Instead of saying "We cater the event", use "We provide catering for the event" or "We are catering the event".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "catering" is as a noun, referring to the business or activity of providing food and related services. This is evident in examples like "wedding catering" and "corporate catering". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catering" functions primarily as a noun that describes the business of providing food and services, often for events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it is most commonly found in news media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. Remember to use "catering" to accurately refer to these services and avoid misusing it directly as a verb. For alternative phrasing, "food service" or "event dining" may be appropriate depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

food service

Focuses on the service aspect of providing food.

food provision

Emphasizes the act of supplying food.

event dining

Specifically relates to providing meals for events.

food and beverage services

More comprehensive, includes both food and drinks.

meal preparation

Highlights the preparation aspect rather than the service itself.

culinary services

Emphasizes the culinary aspect and skills involved.

prepared meals

Focuses on the state of the meals being already prepared.

supplying refreshments

Highlights the provision of drinks and light snacks.

dining solutions

Suggests a more comprehensive and tailored approach.

hospitality services

Broader term including lodging, entertainment, and food.

FAQs

How is "catering" typically used in a sentence?

"Catering" is commonly used as a noun to refer to the business of providing food and services for events. You can say, "The company specializes in wedding catering" or "We need to find a reliable catering service".

What are some alternatives to the word "catering"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "food service", "food provision", or "event dining".

Is it correct to say "cater the event"?

While "cater" can be used as a verb, it's more common to say "provide catering for the event" or "are catering the event". The noun form of "catering" is more frequently used to describe the service itself.

What's the difference between "catering" and "hospitality services"?

"Catering" specifically refers to the provision of food and related services, while "hospitality services" is a broader term that includes lodging, entertainment, and other services related to welcoming and accommodating guests.