Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Cater To': Meaning & Usage

📖 Definition

To 'cater to' is to provide what someone wants or needs, often adjusting actions or services to suit preferences or desires.

Examples in context

The company caters to eco-conscious consumers by offering biodegradable packaging.
She loves to cater to her guests with lavish dinners.
The new policy aims to cater to the welfare of all students.

📖 Definition

To 'cater to' is to provide what someone wants or needs, often adjusting actions or services to suit preferences or desires.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and its object cannot be separated.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to act upon.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	cater to	The restaurant caters to a variety of dietary needs.
Past Simple	catered to	The hotel successfully catered to its high-profile guests.
Present Continuous	catering to	She is constantly catering to the needs of her children.
Present Perfect	have catered to	They have catered to tourists for decades.

💡 When to Use

Customer service settings

Use when talking about providing services tailored to customer needs or preferences in business.

Example: "Our company caters to international clients by offering multilingual support."

Personal relationships

Appropriate for discussing actions done to meet the preferences or desires of friends or family.

Example: "He catered to his partner's love for vintage books."

Event planning

Relates to organizing events or functions that address specific audience preferences.

Example: "The party was designed to cater to millennials, with themes and activities they enjoy."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: She caters delicious meals to every time.

✅ Correct: She caters to delicious meals every time.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'cater to' must have a direct object right after.

Using with incompatible verbs

❌ Wrong: The chef caters with Italian cuisine.

✅ Correct: The chef caters to lovers of Italian cuisine.

💡 Tip: Always have the phrase cater to someone's needs, desires, or preferences.

Misunderstanding separable nature

❌ Wrong: She caters the needs to.

✅ Correct: She caters to the needs.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'cater to' is inseparable.

Practice

CATER TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The company caters to eco-conscious consumers by offering biodegradable packaging.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

She loves to cater to her guests with lavish dinners.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The new policy aims to cater to the welfare of all students.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

accommodate serve

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The new hotel aims to ___ to tech-savvy travelers."

cater too

cater to

cater for

cater at

"To cater to every whim is to weave a tapestry of expectations, both enriching and exhausting, in life's complex landscape."

In Context

In the early 1900s, Paris was buzzing with the charm of the Moulin Rouge, where the legendary Mistinguett captivated audiences. Born Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois, Mistinguett was a symbol of extravagant entertainment, constantly catering to audiences eager for novelty. Her performances, adorned with intricate costumes and bold choreography, were specifically crafted to cater to the diverse likes of flamboyant Parisians and curious tourists. As the star of the music hall, Mistinguett's ability to cater to varied tastes boosted her fame, making her one of the highest-paid female entertainers of her time. She collaborated with the famed Maurice Chevalier, further expanding her appeal. However, catering to increasing demands took a toll on her, and the pressures of fame and the ever-changing public taste sometimes left her feeling overwhelmed. Despite this, her dedication ensured that she remained adored. By the 1920s, Mistinguett had become an emblem of the Paris nightlife, illustrating the evolution of performance art where entertainers strove to cater to every audience's expectation, fortifying the legacy of the Moulin Rouge as a cultural mecca.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Cater To

What is the origin of cater to?

The phrase 'cater to' dates back to the 16th century. 'Cater' is derived from the French word 'acheter,' meaning 'to buy,' reflecting the service-oriented aspect.

Can cater to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'cater to' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it ideal for varied communication settings.

What is the difference between cater to and accommodate?

While both mean providing for needs, 'cater to' often implies tailoring to specific tastes or desires, whereas 'accommodate' generally means making space or adjustments.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

CATER TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Cater To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega