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attend to
/əˈtɛnd tuː/◆phrasal verb
to give attention or care to something
The nurse will attend to the patient's needs.
The nurse will take care of the patient's needs.
general
to give attention or care to something or someone
She attended to her homework before going out.
She focused on her homework before going out.
The mechanic attended to the car's engine.
The mechanic fixed the car's engine.
Often used in contexts where someone is taking care of a task or responsibility.
Collocations
attend to businessto deal with important mattersattend to detailsto pay close attention to small things
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'attend to' when describing someone taking care of a task or responsibility.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
This phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'attenden' (to wait on) + 'to' (preposition). The phrasal verb emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (e.g., attending to a task) and figuratively (e.g., attending to someone's emotional needs).
Word Breakdown
attend
to be present at or give attention to
rootto
preposition indicating direction or focus
prepositionEnglish Dictionary