Are you confused about the difference between “cater” and “caterer”? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and help you understand when to use each one.
Let’s clarify the definitions of each word. “Cater” is a verb that means to provide food, drinks, or other services for an event or function. “Caterer,” on the other hand, is a noun that refers to a person or company that provides catering services. In other words, a caterer is someone who caters.
So when should you use “cater” versus “caterer”? If you’re talking about the act of providing food or services for an event, use “cater.” For example, “We are going to cater the company picnic.” If you’re referring to the person or company providing the catering services, use “caterer.” For example, “We hired a caterer for the company picnic.”
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion between these two words, let’s dive deeper into the world of catering and explore some of the different types of catering services available.
Define Cater
When we talk about catering, we are referring to the provision of food and drink for an event or gathering. This can range from a small-scale event such as a birthday party or a wedding, to a large-scale corporate event or conference. The act of catering typically involves the preparation, delivery, and serving of food and drink to guests, and may also include the provision of tables, chairs, and other equipment necessary for the event.
Define Caterer
A caterer is a person or company that provides catering services. Caterers are typically responsible for the entire catering process, from menu planning and food preparation to delivery and service. They may work independently or as part of a larger catering company, and can provide services for a wide range of events and occasions. Some caterers specialize in specific types of cuisine or events, while others offer a more general catering service.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words can make all the difference in conveying your message accurately. One common confusion that people face is between the words “cater” and “caterer”. While both words are related to food and service, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words properly in a sentence.
How To Use “Cater” In A Sentence
The word “cater” is a verb that means to provide food and drinks for an event or occasion. It can also mean to provide what is needed or wanted. Here are some examples of how to use “cater” in a sentence:
- The restaurant will cater the wedding reception next month.
- We need to cater to the needs of our customers.
- The company will cater a lunch for its employees on Friday.
As you can see, “cater” is used to describe a service that provides food or fulfills a need. It is often followed by the object of the service, such as “wedding reception” or “employees”.
How To Use “Caterer” In A Sentence
The word “caterer” is a noun that refers to a person or company that provides food and drinks for events or occasions. Here are some examples of how to use “caterer” in a sentence:
- The caterer for the wedding reception is a local restaurant.
- We hired a professional caterer for the company picnic.
- The caterer provided a wide variety of foods for the party.
As you can see, “caterer” is used to describe the person or company that provides the food or service. It is often preceded by an article such as “the” or “a”.
By using these words correctly in your writing, you can ensure that your message is clear and effective. Whether you are describing a service or referring to a person or company, knowing the difference between “cater” and “caterer” can make all the difference.
More Examples Of Cater & Caterer Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore some additional examples of how the words “cater” and “caterer” can be used in sentences. These examples will help to provide a better understanding of the context in which these words are commonly used.
Examples Of Using “Cater” In A Sentence
- The restaurant will cater to special dietary needs upon request.
- We decided to cater our own wedding to save money.
- She chose to cater the event herself to ensure everything was perfect.
- The company will cater lunch for all employees on Friday.
- The hotel can cater events of up to 500 people.
- The bakery specializes in catering desserts for weddings and birthdays.
- He asked the restaurant to cater the business meeting with a variety of finger foods.
- They hired a catering company to provide food and drinks for the party.
- The school cafeteria will cater to students with food allergies.
- The airline will cater to passengers with special needs.
Examples Of Using “Caterer” In A Sentence
- The caterer arrived early to set up for the event.
- The wedding planner recommended a local caterer for the reception.
- The caterer provided a wide range of options for the menu.
- She decided to hire a professional caterer for her daughter’s graduation party.
- The caterer was able to accommodate last-minute changes to the menu.
- The caterer was praised for the high-quality food and service.
- The event coordinator worked closely with the caterer to ensure everything ran smoothly.
- The caterer offered a discount for large events with over 100 guests.
- They chose a caterer who specialized in vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
- The caterer provided all necessary equipment and utensils for the event.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to catering, it’s important to use the correct terminology to avoid confusion. One common mistake people make is using the words “cater” and “caterer” interchangeably. However, these two terms have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
Using “Cater” Instead Of “Caterer”
The word “cater” is a verb that means to provide food and drink for an event or occasion. For example, “I will cater the party myself.” On the other hand, “caterer” is a noun that refers to a person or company that provides catering services. Using “cater” instead of “caterer” is incorrect and can lead to confusion.
For instance, if you say “I will cater the party,” it may not be clear whether you mean that you will be providing the food and drink yourself or if you have hired a professional caterer to do it for you. To avoid this confusion, always use “caterer” when referring to a person or company that provides catering services.
Using “Caterer” For Non-food Services
Another common mistake is using “caterer” to refer to a person or company that provides non-food services for an event. For example, if you hire a company to provide decorations or entertainment for your event, they are not a caterer, even if they are providing services for the event. Using “caterer” in this context is incorrect and can lead to confusion.
To avoid this mistake, use the correct terminology for the services being provided. If you are hiring a company to provide decorations or entertainment, refer to them as such. If you are hiring a company to provide food and drink, refer to them as a caterer.
Tips For Using The Correct Terminology
To avoid making these common mistakes, keep the following tips in mind:
- Always use “caterer” when referring to a person or company that provides catering services.
- Use the correct terminology for the services being provided. If you are hiring a company to provide decorations or entertainment, refer to them as such.
- If you are unsure about the correct terminology to use, ask the person or company providing the services.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “cater” and “caterer,” the context in which they are used can make all the difference. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “cater” and “caterer” might change:
Formal Events
For formal events such as weddings or corporate functions, the term “caterer” is generally preferred. This is because a caterer is a professional who provides food and drink services for events. Using the term “caterer” in this context conveys a sense of professionalism and expertise. For example:
- “We hired a caterer for our wedding reception.”
- “The caterer provided a delicious meal for the corporate event.”
Informal Gatherings
For more casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues or potluck dinners, the term “cater” may be more appropriate. This is because the term “cater” can refer to providing food and drink services on a smaller scale, such as bringing a dish to a potluck. For example:
- “I’m going to cater the party myself by making a few appetizers.”
- “We’re having a potluck and everyone is going to cater a different dish.”
Food Service Industry
In the food service industry, both terms are commonly used, but “caterer” is often used to refer to businesses that specialize in catering services, while “cater” can refer to any type of food service. For example:
- “The catering company provided excellent service for our event.”
- “The restaurant decided to start catering their menu for events.”
Overall, the choice between “cater” and “caterer” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each term, you can choose the appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rule is to use “cater” as a verb and “caterer” as a noun, there are several exceptions where this may not apply.
1. British English Usage
In British English, “cater” can be used as both a verb and a noun, whereas “caterer” is primarily used as a noun. For example:
- “The hotel caters for weddings and other events.”
- “The caterer provided excellent service at the wedding.”
2. Colloquial Usage
In colloquial usage, “cater” and “caterer” can be used interchangeably in certain contexts. For example:
- “I’m catering a party this weekend.”
- “The cater is coming to set up the food.”
While this usage may be acceptable in informal settings, it is important to use the correct form in professional or formal writing.
3. Compound Words
Compound words that include “cater” or “caterer” may not follow the general rule. For example:
- “Cater-cousin” refers to a distant relative or friend.
- “Cater-waiter” refers to a waiter who also assists with catering duties.
In these cases, it is important to understand the specific meaning of the compound word and use it accordingly.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of cater and caterer is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you master the usage of these two words:
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with either cater or caterer:
- The ___________ provided an excellent spread of food for the party.
- My friend is learning how to ___________ for large events.
- The restaurant will ___________ to all dietary restrictions.
- We decided to ___________ the event ourselves to save money.
Answer key:
- caterer
- cater
- cater
- cater
Exercise 2
Choose the correct word (cater or caterer) to complete the sentence:
- The _________ provided delicious food for the wedding.
- We decided to _________ the event ourselves.
- The restaurant will _________ to all dietary restrictions.
- My friend is learning how to _________ for large events.
Answer key:
- caterer
- cater
- cater
- cater
By practicing with these exercises, you can enhance your understanding and usage of cater and caterer. Remember, caterer is a person or business that provides food and catering is the act of providing food for an event.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between cater and caterer, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. While cater refers to the act of providing food or services, caterer specifically refers to a person or company that provides these services.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Additionally, paying attention to the nuances of language use can enhance one’s writing and communication skills.
Key Takeaways:
- Cater and caterer have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
- Cater refers to the act of providing food or services, while caterer specifically refers to a person or company that provides these services.
- Using language correctly can enhance communication and writing skills.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.