To

Definition

To is a preposition used to indicate direction, destination, or purpose, and it can also serve as an infinitive marker in grammar.

Parts of Speech

• Preposition
• Particle

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tuː/, /tə/ (unstressed)
• Respelling: TOO, tuh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tuː/, /tə/ (unstressed)
• Respelling: TOO, tuh

Etymology

The word "to" originates from Old English "tō," meaning "toward, unto, or into," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*ta" and Proto-Indo-European "*do" (to give or toward).

Derivatives

• Toward (preposition)
• Unto (preposition)
• To-ing (noun, informal)
• Into (preposition, related)
• To-wards (adverb, archaic)

Synonyms

• Toward
• Onto
• Until (context-dependent)

Antonyms

• Away from
• From
• None

Usage

The preposition "to" is widely used to indicate direction or purpose, as in "He went to the store" or "This gift is to you." As a particle, it introduces infinitives, as in "She likes to read."

Related Terms

• Toward: Indicating direction.
• Into: Expressing movement or transformation.
• Unto: An archaic form of "to."

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• Indicating direction or destination: Refers to movement toward a specific place or goal.
  • Example: "She is going to the park."
• Indicating purpose or intention: Refers to the aim or goal of an action.
  • Example: "This letter is to my friend."
• Indicating comparison or relationship: Refers to a connection or contrast between things.
  • Example: "Her reaction was similar to mine."

Particle

• Used to mark infinitives: Refers to the base form of a verb following "to."
  • Example: "He loves to dance."