To: meaning, definitions and examples

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[ tə ]

Preposition / Adverb / Abbreviation

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

in a direction toward someone or something

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone is moving or looking toward.

Synonyms

in the direction of, toward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
to	This is the most general and commonly used preposition to indicate movement or direction toward a specific place or goal. She is going to the store. We need to talk.
toward	This preposition is similar to 'to' but is often used to indicate a general direction rather than a specific endpoint. She moved toward the door. The ship sailed toward the horizon.
in the direction of	This phrase is more descriptive and often used to provide more detail or emphasis about the direction of movement. He was walking in the direction of the park. The car sped off in the direction of the mountains.

Word

Description / Examples

This is the most general and commonly used preposition to indicate movement or direction toward a specific place or goal.

She is going to the store.
We need to talk.

toward

This preposition is similar to 'to' but is often used to indicate a general direction rather than a specific endpoint.

She moved toward the door.
The ship sailed toward the horizon.

in the direction of

This phrase is more descriptive and often used to provide more detail or emphasis about the direction of movement.

He was walking in the direction of the park.
The car sped off in the direction of the mountains.

Examples of usage

He ran to the store to buy some milk.
She waved to her friend across the street.
I need to talk to you about something important.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

expressing motion in the direction of a particular location

Used as a function word to indicate movement or an action or condition suggestive of movement toward a place, person, or thing.

Synonyms

in the direction of, toward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
to	used to indicate the direction or destination of someone or something, often followed by a noun or a place I am going to the store Please send the letter to John
toward	used to express a movement or inclination in the general direction of something, can also imply a figurative direction such as goals or opinions He moved toward the door Her attitude toward the project is very positive
in the direction of	used to describe movement or orientation toward a particular area or position, giving a more detailed or specific sense of movement She walked in the direction of the sunset The car headed in the direction of the city center

Word

Description / Examples

used to indicate the direction or destination of someone or something, often followed by a noun or a place

I am going to the store
Please send the letter to John

toward

used to express a movement or inclination in the general direction of something, can also imply a figurative direction such as goals or opinions

He moved toward the door
Her attitude toward the project is very positive

in the direction of

used to describe movement or orientation toward a particular area or position, giving a more detailed or specific sense of movement

She walked in the direction of the sunset
The car headed in the direction of the city center

Examples of usage

The children are playing outside and running to and fro.
I will be there in five minutes, just need to finish up a few things.
He is coming to visit us next week.

^{Context #3 | Abbreviation}

abbreviation for 'table of organization'

Abbreviation commonly used in military or organizational contexts to refer to a table of organization.

Examples of usage

The TO outlines the structure of the unit and its personnel.

Translations

Translations of the word "to" in other languages:

🇵🇹 a

🇮🇳 को

🇩🇪 zu

🇮🇩 ke

🇺🇦 до

на
щоб

🇵🇱 do

🇯🇵 に

へ
のために

🇫🇷 à

🇪🇸 a

🇹🇷 için

🇰🇷 에게

로
위해서

🇸🇦 إلى

🇨🇿 do

🇸🇰 do

🇨🇳 到

向
为了

🇸🇮 do

🇮🇸 til

🇰🇿 дейін

🇬🇪 მდე

🇦🇿 qədər

🇲🇽 a

Etymology

The word 'to' has a long history and can be traced back to Old English. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to serve different grammatical functions. From indicating direction or movement to being used as a preposition, adverb, or even an abbreviation in modern contexts, 'to' remains a versatile and essential part of the English language.