To
tuː
Definitions
5 meaningsExpressing motion or direction towards a place, person, or thing.
tuː
Expressing direction or destination
I'm going to the library.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're pointing. 'To' tells us where you're pointing – the park, your friend, or the finish line! Like, 'I'm going *to* the movies tonight!'
👶 For kids: Going *to* is like pointing somewhere. You are going *to* the park, or give your toy *to* your friend!
More Examples
Please send this package to John.
The train is heading to London.
How It's Used
"I'm going to the store."
"They are traveling to Paris."
Indicating the purpose, intention, or result of an action.
tuː
Expressing a purpose or action
She studies to pass the exam.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'so that'. Like, 'I'm eating *to* get stronger.' Or, 'I'm saving money *to* buy a bike.'
👶 For kids: Going *to* is like saying 'because'. I eat *to* feel better!
More Examples
We exercise to stay healthy.
They saved money to buy a new car.
How It's Used
"He went to school to learn."
"I am writing to inform you."
Indicating a relationship, connection, or comparison.
tuː
Expressing a relationship or connection
The gift is to her.
💡 Simply: This 'to' helps you link things together. Like, 'This letter is *to* my grandma.' or 'The key belongs *to* the door.'
👶 For kids: *To* tells you who something belongs to, for example, 'this is for *to* you!'
More Examples
The answer is to the question.
He is related to me.
How It's Used
"He's married to her."
"This is relevant to our discussion."
The word 'to' used before a verb to indicate the infinitive form.
tuː
Used to form the infinitive of a verb
I want to eat.
💡 Simply: This is like the 'magic word' before a verb. It tells you that you're about to talk about an action, but not in the moment. Like, 'I want *to* play.'
👶 For kids: *To* before a verb means it hasn't happened yet, like 'I want *to* play', or 'I like *to* read'.
More Examples
She likes to sing.
He needs to sleep.
How It's Used
"I want to go."
"The infinitive form of the verb is 'to + base form'"
Expressing a high degree or excess.
tuː
Expressing a high degree or excess
It's too late.
💡 Simply: *Too* means 'way more than is good!' Like, 'It's *too* loud!' or 'I'm *too* tired to play.'
👶 For kids: *Too* is like saying 'a lot!'. 'This pizza is *too* big to finish it'
More Examples
He's too tired to come.
The food is too salty.
How It's Used
"It's too hot today."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to each his own
Everyone has their own preferences.
"Some like coffee, some like tea - to each their own."
up to
Limited by (a certain amount or degree).
"The price is up to $100."
to the point
Relevant and direct.
"He gave a to-the-point answer."
to the best of my knowledge
As far as I know.
"To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't arrived yet."
From Old English *to, tō, from Proto-Germanic *tō, from Proto-Indo-European *dʰó- (demonstrative).
The use of 'to' as a preposition and infinitive marker has remained relatively consistent over centuries, evolving from Old English.
Memory tip
Think of an arrow pointing 'to' a destination.
Word Origin
"toward, near, at"