"attend to" vs "attend on"

Question

"attend to" vs "attend on"

Both 'attend to' and 'attend on' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Attend to' is more commonly used and means to deal with or take care of something. 'Attend on' is less common and is used in a more formal or archaic context to mean to wait on or serve someone.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

It means to deal with or take care of something. It is a common phrase used in everyday language.

Examples:

I need to attend to some urgent matters today.
She always attends to her responsibilities promptly.

Alternatives:

take care of
deal with
handle
address
look after

It means to wait on or serve someone, and is more formal or archaic in nature.

Examples:

The butler attended on the guests throughout the evening.
In the past, servants would attend on their masters.

Alternatives:

serve
wait on
assist
help
tend to

Answer 1

attend to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

attend on

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in modern English.

"attend to" vs "attend on"

attend to

attend on

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