# cater for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cater-for
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to provide what a person or group needs or wants.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The hotel can cater for large wedding parties.
- Most modern restaurants now cater for vegetarians and vegans by offering a separate menu.
- The new community centre was specifically designed to cater for the diverse needs of the local immigrant population.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The cafe caters for of gluten-free diets." but "The cafe caters for gluten-free diets." — the preposition 'for' is the only one needed before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.