how to use "cater to" in English

 The phrasal verb "cater to" in English has two main meanings:

1. To provide what is needed or desired by a particular group of people:

This is the more common meaning. It implies tailoring services, products, or activities to meet the specific needs or preferences of a certain audience.

• Structure: Subject + cater to + Noun (the group or their needs/desires)
• Examples:
  • This restaurant caters to vegetarians and vegans. (Provides food options for them)
  • The hotel caters to families with young children by offering a kids' club. (Provides services specifically for families)
  • The software company designs programs that cater to the needs of small businesses. (Creates products suited for small businesses)
  • The travel agency caters to luxury travelers with high-end accommodations and exclusive tours. (Offers services for a specific type of traveler)
  • The school curriculum tries to cater to the different learning styles of its students. (Adapts teaching methods for various learners)

2. To try to please or satisfy a particular group, often in a way that is not considered morally right or appropriate:

This meaning often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that someone is overly concerned with pleasing a specific group, sometimes at the expense of others or by compromising their own principles. It can imply pandering.

• Structure: Subject + cater to + Noun (the group)
• Examples:
  • The politician was accused of catering to the extreme right wing to gain votes. (Trying to please them, possibly by adopting controversial views)
  • Some critics argue that the media caters to the lowest common denominator to increase viewership. (Focusing on what might appeal to the largest audience, even if it lacks quality)
  • The advertisement seemed to be catering to stereotypes. (Appealing to a specific group based on oversimplified or negative assumptions)
  • He felt the company was catering to the demands of a few vocal customers, ignoring the needs of the majority. (Giving undue attention to a small group)

Key Points to Remember:

• Always followed by a noun or pronoun: "Cater to" is a transitive phrasal verb that always takes an object (the group being catered to or their needs).
• Context is important: The specific meaning of "cater to" depends heavily on the context in which it is used.
• Connotation: Be aware that the second meaning can have a negative connotation, implying excessive or inappropriate attempts to please a particular group.

In summary, "cater to" means either to provide what a specific group needs or wants, or to try very hard to please a particular group, sometimes in a negative way. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to understand which meaning is intended.

how to use "adhere to" in English

 The phrasal verb "adhere to" in English means to stick firmly to a surface or substance, or more commonly, to follow a rule, agreement, belief, or principle closely and exactly.

Here's how to use it correctly:

1. Meaning: Stick Physically

In its literal sense, "adhere to" means to stick or fasten firmly to a surface.

• Structure: Subject + adhere to + Noun (the surface)
• Example 1: The sticker adhered to the window.
• Example 2: Make sure the bandage adheres to your skin properly.
• Example 3: Dust particles can adhere to electronic screens.

2. Meaning: Follow Rules, Agreements, Principles

More commonly, "adhere to" is used figuratively to mean following or obeying something strictly.

• Structure: Subject + adhere to + Noun (the rule, agreement, principle, etc.)
• Example 1: All participants must adhere to the safety regulations.
• Example 2: The company has a strict policy that all employees must adhere to.
• Example 3: We believe in adhering to our core values.
• Example 4: The two countries signed a treaty and promised to adhere to its terms.
• Example 5: It's important to adhere to a healthy diet.
• Example 6: The paint didn't adhere to the wall properly because the surface wasn't prepared. (Here, it's used figuratively to mean "didn't stay on" or "didn't follow the expected behavior").

Key Points to Remember:

• Always followed by a noun or pronoun: "Adhere to" is a transitive phrasal verb that always takes an object.
• Implies strictness: It suggests a firm and close following of something.
• Common contexts: Rules, regulations, policies, laws, agreements, principles, beliefs, plans, schedules, diets, etc.

Synonyms for the Figurative Meaning:

• Follow
• Obey
• Comply with
• Abide by
• Stick to
• Uphold
• Observe
• Respect

In summary, "adhere to" is a useful phrase for expressing the idea of sticking physically or figuratively to something. Pay attention to the context to understand whether it's being used literally or figuratively.