Grammar fix
pander to
indulge someone's weaknesses or desires (disapproving)
to do or say what someone wants, especially when it is not good for them, in order to please them or get something from them; often used to criticise people or organisations who give in to others' unreasonable wishes or lower standards to gain approval or advantage.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Some politicians pander to public fears instead of addressing real issues.
In my opinion, the media often panders to sensationalism rather than providing balanced information, which can negatively affect public understanding.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Politicians often pander voters.
Say: Politicians often pander to voters.
Always 'pander TO' someone.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Pander to' carries the disapproval in one verb; the long paraphrase spells it out clumsily.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pander to
- pander to
- the crowd
- voters
- the lowest common denominator