Understanding the Word: Cater
Whether you are planning a large wedding or trying to meet the specific needs of a difficult client, you will likely encounter the word cater. While many people immediately associate this term with professional food services, it has a broader meaning that helps us describe how we provide for others. In this article, we will explore the history, usage, and nuances of this versatile verb.
The Two Main Meanings
The verb cater generally falls into two distinct categories based on context: the literal act of providing meals and the figurative act of satisfying needs or desires.
1. To Supply Food
This is the most common usage. It refers to the professional service of providing ready-to-eat food for events like parties, banquets, or business meetings. If you do not want the stress of cooking for fifty guests, you hire a company to cater your event.
- We decided to cater the office party with authentic Mexican food.
- The hotel is fully equipped to cater large weddings and conferences.
- They spent a fortune to cater the fundraiser dinner.
2. To Satisfy Needs or Desires
In a figurative sense, to cater means to provide something that is needed or wanted by a specific person or group. You are essentially "supplying" the support or attention they require. This usage is almost always followed by the preposition to.
- The boutique hotel aims to cater to the needs of international travelers.
- Modern television shows often cater to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
- She does everything possible to cater to her children's interests.
Grammar Patterns and Phrases
Understanding how to place the word in a sentence is key to sounding natural. Here are the most common patterns:
Cater + [Object]: When talking about food, you often use the object directly after the verb.
Example: "They are going to cater the gala next weekend."
Cater + to + [Object]: When you are talking about fulfilling a need, desire, or preference, you must include the word to.
Example: "This magazine specifically caters to fans of science fiction."
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error is forgetting the preposition to when using the figurative meaning. Students often say, "This store caters local customers," but that is grammatically incorrect. Because the relationship is about serving a group, you must include the preposition.
Correct: The restaurant caters to vegetarians by offering a wide variety of plant-based dishes.
Incorrect: The restaurant caters vegetarians.
Additionally, remember that cater is a verb. If you want to describe the person doing the work, use the noun caterer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "cater" only used for professional services?
Not necessarily. While it is mostly professional, you can use it informally. For example, "I had to cater to my friend’s fear of heights by choosing a ground-floor restaurant."
What is the difference between a "caterer" and a "chef"?
A chef is a professional cook who focuses on creating dishes. A caterer is a business owner or worker who manages the logistics of serving food to large groups, often including the delivery, setup, and cleanup.
Can I use "cater" in the past tense?
Yes, the past tense is catered. "The bakery catered my graduation party perfectly."
What is the origin of the word?
The word comes from the Middle English "cates," which referred to fancy food or delicacies. To "cater" originally meant to be responsible for buying these provisions for a household.
Conclusion
From the literal, delicious task of feeding a crowd to the figurative act of listening to a customer's wishes, cater is a vital part of the English vocabulary. Whether you are catering a dinner or catering to the specific needs of a friend, remember to choose the right preposition, and you will be using this word like a native speaker in no time.