What are the definitions of “cater for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To provide what is necessary.
The college CATERS FOR students of all ages.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cater for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cater for is to provide what is necessary or required for a specific group or situation. It often refers to supplying food, services, or accommodations for an event or group of people.
What are the different verb forms of “cater for”?
| Root Verb | cater for |
| Third Person Singular Present | caters for |
| Present Participle | catering for |
| Simple Past | catered for |
| Past Participle | catered for |
Example
The hotel caters for large groups and events.
Example
The restaurant caters for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Example
They are catering for a wedding this weekend.
Example
The company catered for the conference last year.
Example
The needs of the guests were catered for by the attentive staff.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cater for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“cater for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The school caters for children with special needs.
Example
The event planner catered for all the guests' dietary requirements.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cater for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The school caters for children with special needs.
Example
The event planner catered for all the guests' dietary requirements.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cater for”?
Good things to know
Does “cater for” have an informal or formal tone?
Cater for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or official events.
