English Language & Usage Asked on May 18, 2021
Is there any difference between “cater to” and “cater for”? Which is better in this context:
I found another discussion on similar lines but it was between “cater to” and “cater towards”. Seems both “to” and “for” are correct. But I wish to know if there are specific contexts in which one is picked over the other.
I did search for this in a few online dictionaries, and also I found this exact question on WordReference.com, but the answers were divided. Many seemed to think they are the same. Dictionary.com gives clearly separate examples for both but has added in brackets that both to and for can be used to mean ‘pander to’. Hence the confusion.
- to provide food, service, etc., as for a party or wedding:
to cater for a banquet.- to provide or supply what amuses, is desired, or gives pleasure, comfort, etc. (usually followed by to or for):
to cater to popular demand; to cater to an invalid.[…]
(intransitive; foll by for or to) to provide what is required or desired (for): to cater for a need, cater to your tastes
There is quite a lot of stuff on this topic, but it’s mostly ambiguous.
I want to believe "cater to" is American, while "cater for" is British. Much the same way as "different than" is American, while "different from" is British.
Answered by Roland on May 18, 2021
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