to
preposition, particle
UK/tuː/US/tuː/
Expressing motion in the direction of (a particular location). Also used to indicate the infinitive form of a verb.
Example Sentences
I am going to the store to buy some groceries.
She handed the book to him before leaving the room.
To understand the problem, we need to analyze all the factors involved.
They walked to the park to enjoy the sunny weather.
He decided to take a break to recharge his energy.
To achieve success, one must work diligently and persistently.
We plan to travel to Europe next summer.
To ensure the project’s success, proper planning is essential.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates movement, purpose, or limit within an action or phrase.This tiny but powerful word shows up in multiple contexts, primarily as a preposition. Physically, it can convey direction or destination: “Walk to the store,” “Drive to the beach,” or “Hand this to me.” Beyond physical movement, it can signal a recipient or target: “Give credit to the team,” “Mail the letter to your friend.” In expressions of time or distance, it sets a boundary: “From dawn to dusk,” or “It’s about three miles to the next exit.”Linguistically, 'to' can also mark an infinitive form of verbs: “to run,” “to think,” “to decide.” Here, it merges with verbs to signal an action or state, as in “I want to learn more,” or “It’s time to go.” Additionally, it appears in idiomatic phrases suggesting a degree or extent—“I’m close to finishing,” “We’re about to start.” Paying attention to context ensures you capture its precise meaning each time it appears, whether pointing out motion, designating an outcome, or linking with a verb.In everyday language, you might see it blend with short words or contractions—“I’m going to do it,” often pronounced “gonna,” or “We need to talk,” commonly heard as “We needa talk.” While these informal contractions show up in casual speech, standard writing typically keeps 'to' clear and uncontracted. Overall, 'to' is indispensable for structuring English sentences, forging connections that guide readers or listeners from an origin to a goal, object, or purpose.
Alternatives
Depending on the sentence or emphasis, you could restructure phrases to avoid overusing 'to.' If you’re describing direction, you might say 'toward' or 'into': “He moved toward the exit,” “She walked into the hallway.” For references to recipients, “for” or “into the hands of” might work in casual or creative writing: “I prepared a snack for my friend.” When referencing purpose, you might pick 'in order to' for clarity in formal contexts—“She left early in order to catch the train.”If you want to emphasize completion or change, you might opt for 'until': “We worked until sunset,” rather than “We worked to sunset.” Also, using nouns or gerunds can remove the need for an infinitive structure—“We practiced singing” instead of “We practiced to sing.” However, none of these are direct synonyms for 'to' because each alternative can shift the meaning slightly. Choosing them depends on whether you want to highlight direction, purpose, or a time boundary. Mixing such variations enriches your vocabulary, but be mindful to keep the original intent intact.
Writing
In written text, 'to' is fundamental. For clarity, avoid strings of infinitives that can clutter paragraphs—like “We need to try to get to fix this.” Instead, consider rephrasing if the chain becomes unwieldy: “We need to attempt fixing this,” or “We need to try resolving this.” If your writing includes frequent directional references—'to the office,' 'to the client,' 'to the site'—you may wish to streamline your sentences by combining certain parts: “Deliver these documents to the client’s office.”The placement of 'to' within phrases or clauses often signals how actions unfold, linking subjects and verbs to their objects or goals. When discussing timespans—“from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.”—you anchor the duration. Keep an eye on parallel structures, as in “We went from planning to designing to implementing,” which maintains a rhythm. If you’re mixing lists of items or actions, confirm each element follows the same pattern, preserving neat, consistent style. Even in more advanced contexts—like academic or business documents—straightforward use of 'to' can keep prose organized and easy to follow, guiding readers step by step toward your conclusion or recommendation.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, 'to' is ubiquitous. Whether grabbing coffee—“I’m heading to the café”—or explaining your intentions—“I need to pick up groceries,” 'to' frames goals and movement. You’ll hear it slip into quick phrases like “Let’s go to lunch,” “Time to go home,” or “I’m talking to her tomorrow.” It’s also a link in infinitive phrases that pop up constantly—“We want to chill,” “I have to finish this project,” “Do you want to watch a movie?”Because these moments flow freely in casual speech, people often shorten the phrase “going to” to “gonna,” “want to” to “wanna,” or “have to” to “hafta,” all merging 'to' with the preceding verb or modal. While these contractions add a laid-back feel in informal conversation, keep in mind they’re generally avoided in written form outside of dialogue or very informal content (like texts or social media updates). If you’re chatting with friends or family, it’s natural and comfortable to say “I’m gonna run to the store,” but in a professional message, you’d likely write “I’m going to run to the store.” This slight shift preserves clarity and respect for your audience.
Etymology
Stemming from Old English “tō,” the preposition has deep Germanic roots and has remained quite stable through centuries of language development. Early forms signified motion toward a place or person, a function that persists. Over time, it broadened into abstract applications—like linking infinitive verbs or introducing a purpose. As Middle English evolved (circa 12th–15th centuries), these various uses crystallized, aligning with parallel forms in Old Saxon, Old High German, and Old Norse.Throughout medieval and early modern periods, 'to' firmly embedded itself as a crucial connector in English syntax, aligning subjects, objects, and actions. The development of standardized spelling and grammar from the Renaissance onward confirmed its modern form. Meanwhile, expansions in literature and official writing cemented it in innumerable contexts: navigation instructions, legal texts, religious documents, and everyday communication. Today, 'to' remains a small yet mighty building block, guiding how we convey directions, intentions, relationships, and more. Its constancy attests to English speakers’ enduring need for a succinct way to denote movement or purpose—one that elegantly links a subject and its objective, be it physical, temporal, or conceptual.
