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to
/tuː/
toward a place or person
She walked to the store.
She went toward the store.
general
Toward a place or person
I'm going to the park.
I'm going toward the park.
Used to indicate direction or destination.
grammar
Used to form the infinitive of a verb
I want to learn.
I want to be in the state of learning.
Infinitive form is often used after modal verbs (can, should, may) and certain verbs (want, need, try).
general
Up to a certain point or limit
The price is up to $100.
The price reaches as high as $100.
Used to indicate a maximum or inclusive limit.
general
In the direction of (a person or thing)
He handed the book to her.
He gave the book in her direction.
Used to indicate the recipient of an action.
general
As a result of (a cause or reason)
She was late to work.
She arrived at work after the expected time.
Used to indicate a consequence or result.
Collocations
to the pointdirect and conciseto be honestto tell the truthto the best of my knowledgeas far as I know
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Infinitive Marker
The word 'to' is used to form the infinitive of a verb, as in 'I want to go'.
Directional Use
Use 'to' to indicate movement toward a place or person, as in 'She went to the store'.
Resultative Use
Use 'to' to indicate a result or consequence, as in 'He was late to work'.
Gold Rule
Prepositional Use
When 'to' is used as a preposition, it typically indicates direction or destination.
Infinitive Marker
When 'to' is used as an infinitive marker, it precedes the base form of a verb.
Adverbial Use
When 'to' is used as an adverb, it can indicate a result or consequence.
Word Origin
Old English 'tō', from Proto-Germanic '*tō', meaning 'to, toward'. Related to Old Norse 'til', Gothic 'tō', and Old High German 'zu'.
Usage Notes
The word 'to' is highly versatile and can function as a preposition, infinitive marker, or adverb. Its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Word Breakdown
to
toward or in the direction of
rootEnglish Dictionary