to
to
UK[tuː]US[tuː]
prep
Used to indicate direction, destination, or position.
prep
Used to indicate the person or thing that is affected by an action.
particle
Used before the base form of a verb to form the infinitive.
Etymology
The word 'to' is a function word of ancient Germanic origin, derived from the Old English preposition 'tō'. This Old English form is cognate with similar prepositions across other Germanic languages, such as Old Frisian 'tō' and Old High German 'zuo'. Its ultimate source is the Proto-Indo-European root de, which carried a core meaning of "toward" or "to." Over centuries, its primary function as a directional marker has remained remarkably stable, while also grammaticalizing to serve as the standard infinitive particle in English, linking verbs to their base forms.
Analysis
N/A
Examples
She walked to the store.
I gave the book to my friend.
He wants to learn how to swim.