To Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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to
[tə ]
Definitions
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.
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| toward |
This preposition is similar to 'to' but is often used to indicate a general direction rather than a specific endpoint.
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| in the direction of |
This phrase is more descriptive and often used to provide more detail or emphasis about the direction of movement.
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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.
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
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| 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
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| 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
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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.
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- It is primarily used as a preposition, but it can also be part of infinitive verbs, like 'to run' or 'to play'.
- The word helps construct infinitive forms, which are vital in expressing actions or states in English.
Language Learning
- For learners of English, 'to' can be tricky because it serves multiple purposes in sentences.
- Understanding this word helps with forming complete sentences as it provides necessary information about actions.
Cultural Usage
- 'To' can reflect intentions, such as in phrases like 'to love' or 'to create', highlighting the motivation behind actions.
- In English literature and everyday speech, the usage of 'to' can signify goals or aspirations, enriching communication.
Origin of 'to'
Main points about word origin
- 'To' comes from the Old English 'tō', which meant 'in the direction of' or 'until'.
- In many languages, similar words exist that also indicate direction or purpose, showing a universal concept.
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.