ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cater for

phrasal verb.
Definition

phrasal verb. to provide what a person or group needs or wants.

phrasal verb. to provide a particular group of people with the things they need or want; often used in the context of services, facilities, or dietary requirements.


SIMPLE

The hotel can cater for large wedding parties.

CONTEXTUAL

Most modern restaurants now cater for vegetarians and vegans by offering a separate menu.

COMPLEX

The new community centre was specifically designed to cater for the diverse needs of the local immigrant population.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cater + for + object
Usage

commonly used with groups of people or specific requirements like 'needs' or 'tastes'.

Teaching tip

note that in American English, 'cater to' is more common, whereas 'cater for' is standard in British English.

Pitfall

The cafe caters for of gluten-free diets.The cafe caters for gluten-free diets.the preposition 'for' is the only one needed before the object.

Last updated April 24, 2026