to
to — abbreviation
1. written abbreviation for 'table of organization'; a document, chart, or list tha
written abbreviation for 'table of organization'; a document, chart, or list that shows the positions, roles, and reporting lines within a company, government agency, or military unit.
The HR manager updated the TO after hiring five new engineers.
TO as abbreviation for 'table of organization'
Arjun checked the TO to find out who supervised the logistics team.
According to the TO, the regional director oversees all branch offices.
The military unit's TO showed three squads under each platoon.
Jisoo drew a new TO when the company merged two departments.
- update the TO
- check the TO
- according to the TO
- draw up a TO
Grammar Patterns
TO as abbreviation for full term
Usage Note
Usually written in capital letters as TO. Common in internal business documents and military administration.
2. written abbreviation for 'traditional orthography'; the standard spelling system
written abbreviation for 'traditional orthography'; the standard spelling system of a language that is used in most books, newspapers, and official documents, as opposed to phonetic or reformed spelling.
Linguists use TO as a reference when studying historical spelling changes.
TO as abbreviation for 'traditional orthography'
The children's textbook follows TO for all its example sentences.
Mert compared the poem written in TO with a phonetic version.
Many schools still teach reading and writing using the TO system.
This dictionary lists every entry in its TO form.
- use TO
- written in TO
- follow TO
- compare with TO
Grammar Patterns
TO as abbreviation for full term
Usage Note
Capitalized as TO. This term is used mainly in linguistics and language education to distinguish the established spelling from newer or phonetic writing systems.
3. written abbreviation for 'turnover'; the total value of sales or services that a
written abbreviation for 'turnover'; the total value of sales or services that a company or store produces over a specific period, such as a month, quarter, or year.
The company's TO increased by twelve percent last quarter.
TO as abbreviation for 'turnover' (sales volume)
Rodrigo calculated the monthly TO for each product category.
The store's daily TO reached a new high during the holiday week.
Femi presented the quarterly TO figures at the board meeting.
A sudden drop in TO forced the business to reduce its costs.
- TO increased
- calculate TO
- daily/weekly/quarterly TO
- drop in TO
Grammar Patterns
TO as abbreviation for full term
Usage Note
Capitalized as TO. Used in financial reports, accounting documents, and business summaries to save space.
to — adverb
1. used with verbs like pull, push, or swing to show that a door, window, or lid mo
used with verbs like pull, push, or swing to show that a door, window, or lid moves until it is fully shut or pressed against the frame.
A strong wind blew the gate to with a loud bang.
verb + noun + to — 'blew the gate to'
Aarav pushed the window to before the rain started.
The old wooden door swung to slowly behind Élise.
verb + to (no object) — 'swung to'
Hiro slid the heavy lid to on the storage box.
verb + noun + to — 'slid the heavy lid to'
Please pull the door to when you leave the room.
imperative pattern: pull the door to
- pull...to
- push...to
- swing...to
- slide...to
- slam...to
- bang...to
- blow...to
- click...to
- open
opposite direction; 'pull the door open' reverses the action
Grammar Patterns
verb + noun + to
verb + to (no object)
Usage Note
Frequently used with verbs of pushing, pulling, or swinging. With transitive verbs the object (door, window, lid) must come between the verb and 'to': 'pull the door to', not 'pull to the door'. With intransitive verbs like 'swing' no object is needed.
Common Mistakes
to — preposition
1. placed directly before a verb in its simplest form to create the infinitive, whi
placed directly before a verb in its simplest form to create the infinitive, which can follow another verb or act as the subject of a sentence
Hannah wants to learn how to play the piano.
want + to-infinitive
Kaito found it useful to review his notes each evening before a big test.
It is + adjective + to-infinitive
Tunde tried to open the door, but it was locked.
Élise asked her mother to buy a new school bag.
ask + object + to-infinitive
Aarav decided to read one book every single week.
- want to
- need to
- try to
- like to
- begin to
- start to
Grammar Patterns
to + base verb
Usage Note
This is the most basic use of 'to' — it always comes before a verb in its base form, never before -ing or -ed forms.
Common Mistakes
2. placed after verbs like hope, expect, plan, or promise to show that the act expr
placed after verbs like hope, expect, plan, or promise to show that the act expressed by the infinitive is still ahead at the time of speaking
Christopher hopes to visit Japan with his family next summer.
hope + to-infinitive for future plan
Maeve plans to start her own cooking class next month.
Sivan expects to hear back from the university this week.
The team promised to finish the project by next Friday.
promise + to-infinitive
- hope to
- plan to
- expect to
- promise to
Grammar Patterns
verb (hope/expect/plan/promise) + to + base verb
Usage Note
The verbs that take this pattern all point toward something that is still in the future from the speaker's perspective at the time of speaking.
Common Mistakes
3. placed after verbs like want, need, would like, and agree to express what a pers
placed after verbs like want, need, would like, and agree to express what a person desires, requires, or has decided to do
Aylin wants to eat at the new Indian restaurant tonight.
want + to-infinitive
Joaquín needs to buy some food for tonight's dinner.
need + to-infinitive
Amihan agreed to help her friend move to a new flat.
agree + to-infinitive
Hiro would like to learn how to swim this summer.
- want to
- need to
- agree to
- would like to
- refuse to
Grammar Patterns
verb (want/need/agree/would like) + to + base verb
Usage Note
Unlike some other verbs (e.g. 'enjoy', 'finish'), which are followed by -ing, these verbs specifically require 'to' + base verb.
Common Mistakes
4. used after a verb in place of a full infinitive phrase that has already been men
used after a verb in place of a full infinitive phrase that has already been mentioned, so that the speaker does not have to repeat the entire verb phrase
Jenna wanted to call her mother, but she forgot to.
forgot to (standing in for 'call her mother')
All students may leave early if they really want to.
The driver did not want to stop, but the police officer told him to.
told + object + to (elliptical)
My brother said he would come, but he forgot to.
- want to
- forget to
- tell someone to
- ask someone to
- agree to
Grammar Patterns
verb + to (standing in for full infinitive clause)
Usage Note
In this pattern 'to' carries the meaning of the whole earlier infinitive phrase. Common with 'want to', 'forget to', 'try to', 'tell someone to', 'ask someone to'.
Common Mistakes
5. used after verbs like tell, ask, or advise when reporting an instruction, reques
used after verbs like tell, ask, or advise when reporting an instruction, request, or suggestion that one person made to another
The officer told the soldiers to stand in a straight line.
tell + object + to-infinitive for orders
The doctor advised my father to rest for two full days.
The teacher asked the class to open their books.
The coach told the players to arrive before seven o'clock.
tell + object + to-infinitive
- tell someone to
- ask someone to
- advise someone to
- order someone to
Grammar Patterns
verb (tell/ask/advise) + object + to + base verb
Usage Note
Only works with reporting verbs that involve a directive. Verbs like 'say' or 'mention' cannot use this pattern — you cannot say 'He said me to go'.
Common Mistakes
6. placed after an adjective to link it with a following verb, forming common patte
placed after an adjective to link it with a following verb, forming common patterns such as 'happy to help' or 'easy to use'
It is important to drink enough water every single day.
It is + adjective + to-infinitive
The box is too heavy to carry up the stairs alone.
too + adjective + to-infinitive
The children were excited to visit the zoo this weekend.
This game is easy to learn but hard to master.
adjective + to-infinitive describing quality
- happy to
- ready to
- easy to
- hard to
- important to
- surprised to
Grammar Patterns
adjective + to + base verb
Usage Note
Common with adjectives describing feelings (happy, sad, surprised, ready) and qualities (easy, hard, important, difficult). The adjective tells you how someone feels about the action, or how easy/difficult the action is.
Common Mistakes
7. used after certain nouns such as 'ability', 'desire', 'need', 'chance', 'opportu
used after certain nouns such as 'ability', 'desire', 'need', 'chance', 'opportunity', or 'attempt' to connect them to an infinitive that describes a related action.
Élise has the ability to solve difficult maths problems very quickly.
noun (ability) + to-infinitive
The team made a final attempt to reach the camp before nightfall.
Kofi felt a strong desire to learn Japanese after visiting Tokyo.
desire/wish/need + to-infinitive
A need to improve public services led to the new government plan.
Bao finally got the chance to travel around South America last year.
- the ability to
- the desire to
- the need to
- the chance to
- an attempt to
- an opportunity to
- the right to
- the way to
Grammar Patterns
noun + to-infinitive
Usage Note
Common nouns used in this pattern include ability, attempt, chance, desire, need, opportunity, right, way, and wish.
Common Mistakes
8. placed at the start of a sentence before a base verb to present an action as a g
placed at the start of a sentence before a base verb to present an action as a general idea or fact, without saying which person does it.
To learn a new language requires a lot of time and patience.
to-infinitive as sentence subject
To save enough money for a house was their main goal for years.
To understand the problem fully calls for careful study of the data.
To walk in the park every morning keeps Sivan feeling healthy and calm.
To live in another country can change the way you see the world.
to-infinitive subject with modal
Grammar Patterns
to-infinitive + verb...
Usage Note
This structure is more common in formal writing than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, speakers often use 'it' as a placeholder subject instead — e.g. 'It takes a lot of time to learn a new language.'
Common Mistakes
9. placed after the words 'what', 'where', 'how', 'who', and 'when' to link them to
placed after the words 'what', 'where', 'how', 'who', and 'when' to link them to an infinitive that talks about an action that is uncertain, not yet decided, or commonly understood.
Sahil does not know where to find the nearest bus station.
where + to-infinitive
Can you show me how to use this new coffee machine?
The children asked what to bring to the end-of-year picnic.
what + to-infinitive
We are still deciding when to hold the family reunion this summer.
Hamza wondered who to ask for directions in the old city market.
who + to-infinitive
- how to
- what to
- where to
- when to
- who to
Grammar Patterns
question word + to-infinitive
Usage Note
The most common question words used in this pattern are what, where, how, when, and who. This structure is especially common after verbs like know, ask, tell, show, decide, explain, and wonder.
Common Mistakes
10. joins with a following verb in its base form to show the reason behind an action
joins with a following verb in its base form to show the reason behind an action, or the intended function of a particular object.
Heloísa went to the market early to buy fresh vegetables for dinner.
to-infinitive expressing purpose
Christopher borrowed a dictionary to check the spelling of that word.
We use this small key to open the back door of the garden shed.
use [noun] to [verb]
Ava turned on the light to read the small print on the old map.
Hamza called his brother to share the news about the job offer.
- went to [place] to [verb]
- use [noun] to [verb]
- do [something] to [verb]
- in order to
more formal; used when the writer wants to emphasise the purpose clearly
Grammar Patterns
[verb] + to-infinitive (purpose)
Usage Note
When the subject is a person doing an action, use the pattern '[subject] + [verb] + to-infinitive'. For describing what an object is used for, use '[subject] + use + [noun] + to-infinitive'. In more formal English, 'in order to' can replace 'to' for emphasis.
Common Mistakes
11. used at the start of a sentence to form a fixed phrase that shows the speaker's
used at the start of a sentence to form a fixed phrase that shows the speaker's opinion or attitude toward what they are about to say — for example, 'to be honest', 'to sum up', or 'to put it simply'.
To be honest, Bao was not very happy with the result of the exam.
to be honest — signalling honesty
To put it simply, the company needs to reduce its spending this year.
To begin with, let me thank everyone who helped organise the event.
to begin with — ordering a list
To give you an example, consider a family trying to save for a house.
To be fair to all sides, the judge listened carefully to every witness.
- to be honest
- to be fair
- to tell the truth
- to sum up
- to begin with
- to put it simply
- in order to
not interchangeable — 'in order to' expresses purpose, not speaker attitude
Grammar Patterns
to-infinitive phrase, [main clause]
Usage Note
These introductory phrases are fixed expressions. Common ones include to be honest, to be fair, to tell the truth, to sum up, to begin with, to put it simply, and to give an example. They are followed by a comma and then the main clause.
Common Mistakes
12. appears after the patterns 'there is' and 'there are' plus a noun, linking that
appears after the patterns 'there is' and 'there are' plus a noun, linking that noun to a verb in its base form to indicate that something exists and can be done, used, or experienced.
There is a lot of work to do before the holiday begins next week.
there is + noun + to-infinitive
There are several letters to sign on your desk this morning.
There is nothing to worry about — the doctor says you are fine.
nothing/anything/something + to-infinitive
There were many interesting people to meet at the conference.
There is always something new to discover in this ancient city.
- there is + noun + to
- there are + noun + to
- nothing to
- something to
- everything to
- a lot to
Grammar Patterns
there is/are + noun + to-infinitive
Usage Note
This pattern is very common with indefinite pronouns like nothing, something, anything, everything, and with nouns preceded by quantifiers such as a lot of, plenty of, several, enough.
Common Mistakes
13. used to say that something is enough for the present moment, letting you continu
used to say that something is enough for the present moment, letting you continue with what you are currently doing
Here is a small snack to be going on with until dinner is ready.
fixed phrase: to be going on with
This fifty dollars should be enough to be going on with for today.
The librarian gave the class a few books to be going on with.
We only have two chairs to be going on with, but more arrive tomorrow.
- to be going on with
Grammar Patterns
to be going on with + noun phrase
Usage Note
Only used in the fixed phrase 'to be going on with' (or 'to go on with'). More common in British English than American English.
14. showing movement or travel towards a place, person, or thing
showing movement or travel towards a place, person, or thing
Karim walked to the library after school every Tuesday.
to + destination: to the library
The children ran to the playground as soon as the bell rang.
Soraya drove to the hospital to visit her grandmother.
This train goes all the way to Taichung without stopping.
A long line of ants marched across the path to their nest.
- go to
- walk to
- travel to
- return to
- the way to
- towards
slightly more formal; emphasises direction rather than arrival
- from
shows starting point rather than destination
Grammar Patterns
to + destination noun phrase
Common Mistakes
15. introduces the person or group that receives something in a sentence — used with
introduces the person or group that receives something in a sentence — used with verbs of giving, sending, telling, or showing where "to" is the only way to mark the recipient
Dario handed the letter to his father without saying a word.
recipient pattern: handed + noun + to + person
Yumi sent a birthday card to her cousin in Tokyo.
Inês gave a small gift to each child at the party.
Christopher's words meant a lot to his younger sister.
The teacher read a story to the class before lunch.
- give to
- send to
- show to
- explain to
- say to
- read to
- mean a lot to
- for
implies the recipient is the intended beneficiary, not necessarily the actual receiver
- from
shows the origin or giver rather than the receiver
Grammar Patterns
verb + noun + to + person
Usage Note
Often used with verbs of giving, sending, telling, and showing. Some verbs (like 'explain' and 'describe') must use 'to' and cannot take an indirect object without it.
Common Mistakes
16. used before the recipient of an action when the same meaning can also be express
used before the recipient of an action when the same meaning can also be expressed without "to" by putting the recipient before the direct object — for example, "write a letter to someone" can be rephrased as "write someone a letter".
Renata wrote a long email to her manager about the project.
verb + direct object + to + indirect object
Could you pass this message to Diya when you see her?
The company sent a refund to every customer who complained.
Talia taught Spanish to a group of beginners at the centre.
My aunt sold her old bicycle to a neighbour for fifty dollars.
- write to
- send to
- pass to
- teach to
- sell to
- lend to
Grammar Patterns
verb + direct object + to + indirect object
Usage Note
Common with verbs like give, send, pass, teach, write, show, tell, sell, lend, and throw. The direct object always comes before 'to' here: verb + what + to + who.
Common Mistakes
17. as far as a given moment, quantity, or condition, marking the point where someth
as far as a given moment, quantity, or condition, marking the point where something finishes or stops
The library stays open from nine in the morning to five in the evening.
from...to... range pattern
Maeve worked from morning to night to finish the painting.
The water in the lake came up to Allison's waist.
Temperatures dropped to minus five degrees last night.
The stadium can hold up to fifty thousand people.
- from...to
- up to
- count to
- drop to
- rise to
- from
marks the starting point of a range
Grammar Patterns
from + starting point + to + end point
to + number/amount
Usage Note
Often appears in the structure 'from X to Y' to mark a complete range. With 'up to', it emphasises the maximum limit.
Common Mistakes
18. used when telling the time to indicate a number of minutes before a full hour
used when telling the time to indicate a number of minutes before a full hour
The station clock showed ten minutes to seven as Ana hurried to catch her train.
telling time: minutes + to + hour
The train is scheduled to leave at a quarter to nine.
Greta promised to meet us at twenty to twelve.
Our class starts at five to nine, so do not be late.
- five to
- ten to
- quarter to
- twenty to
- past
shows minutes after the hour
Grammar Patterns
minutes + to + hour
Usage Note
In American English, 'before' or 'until' is more common for telling time (e.g. 'ten before seven'). 'Past' is the opposite — used for minutes after the hour.
Common Mistakes
19. placed in fixed phrases before a noun to signal that something has reached a ver
placed in fixed phrases before a noun to signal that something has reached a very strong or extreme level — for example, being moved 'to tears', torn 'to pieces', or burned 'to the ground'
The sad story moved the whole class to tears.
collocation: moved to tears
The old curtains were torn to shreds by the cat.
collocation: torn to shreds
Reema was bored to tears by the three-hour lecture.
collocation: bored to tears
The small house was burned to the ground in the fire.
collocation: burned to the ground
Eric worked himself to the bone trying to finish on time.
collocation: worked to the bone
- moved to tears
- torn to pieces
- bored to tears
- burned to the ground
- worked to the bone
- shaken to the core
Grammar Patterns
verb + to + extreme noun
Usage Note
The verb before 'to' always describes the action that causes the extreme result. Passive forms (was torn, was moved) are especially common with this sense.
Common Mistakes
20. showing a link or connection between two things, such as a question and its answ
showing a link or connection between two things, such as a question and its answer, a key and a lock, or a person and their attitude towards something
Do you know the answer to question number seven?
collocation: answer to
I have lost the key to the front door of my flat.
collocation: key to
The solution to the problem was simpler than we thought.
collocation: solution to
The answer to question seven is surprisingly simple and easy to check.
collocation: answer to
- answer to
- key to
- solution to
- attitude to
- access to
- reaction to
Grammar Patterns
noun + to + noun
Usage Note
Not every noun that expresses a relationship uses 'to'; some take 'of' (the colour of the car, the cover of the book). Learn common pairings like 'the answer to', 'the key to', 'the attitude to'.
Common Mistakes
21. used to indicate the place or object that something is physically joined, tied,
used to indicate the place or object that something is physically joined, tied, or attached to
The prisoner was chained to the wall of his cell.
passive: chained to
A small label was attached to each piece of luggage.
passive: attached to
Lara tied the horse to a tree before going inside.
active: tied to
The painting was fixed to the wall with strong hooks.
- tied to
- attached to
- chained to
- fixed to
- pinned to
- glued to
- nailed to
- onto
Emphasises movement towards a surface; 'glue it onto the card' versus 'glue it to the card'
Grammar Patterns
verb + noun + to + noun
Usage Note
This sense almost always follows a verb of attaching (tie, chain, attach, fix, stick, pin, glue). The object being attached usually comes before 'to'.
Common Mistakes
22. used in the pattern 'be + to + verb' to talk about a future event that has been
used in the pattern 'be + to + verb' to talk about a future event that has been officially arranged or scheduled
The President is to visit Japan next month.
pattern: be + to + infinitive for planned events
The new hospital is to open in March next year.
All staff are to attend the training session on Friday.
Valentina's wedding is to take place at her family's church.
- is to
- are to
- am to
- was to
- were to
Grammar Patterns
be + to + infinitive
Usage Note
This pattern is more formal than 'going to' or 'will'. It is commonly used in news reports and official announcements. The subject is usually a person, organisation, or thing that has some official status.
Common Mistakes
23. used after "be" and before a base verb to express a firm instruction or prohibit
used after "be" and before a base verb to express a firm instruction or prohibition — commonly found in official rules, workplace orders, and formal notices
Students are not to leave the school grounds during class.
negative pattern: are not to
You are to report to the manager's office at eight.
positive command: are to
Children are not to open the door to strangers.
No one is to leave the building until the police arrive.
- are to
- is not to
- are not to
- am to
- was not to
Grammar Patterns
be + (not) + to + infinitive
Usage Note
The negative form 'are not to' is very common and carries the meaning of a strong prohibition. This pattern can sound strict or formal; everyday English often uses 'must not' or 'should not' instead.
Common Mistakes
24. used in news headlines directly before an infinitive (without a form of 'be') to
used in news headlines directly before an infinitive (without a form of 'be') to report an event that is planned or expected to take place
Prime Minister to resign after major corruption scandal.
headline: to + infinitive without 'be'
New stadium to be built in city centre by 2027.
Tech giant to lay off two thousand workers next quarter.
Famous museum to close its doors at the end of March.
- to resign
- to close
- to open
- to build
- to lay off
- to cut
- to launch
Grammar Patterns
to + infinitive (headline style)
Usage Note
This structure is unique to headlines and titles. In a normal sentence you would write 'The Prime Minister is to resign' or 'The Prime Minister will resign'. British newspapers use this pattern more frequently than American ones.
Common Mistakes
25. placed before a possessive pronoun or name followed by an abstract emotion noun
placed before a possessive pronoun or name followed by an abstract emotion noun — such as 'surprise', 'relief', or 'delight' — to name the specific feeling that an event, action, or piece of news creates in a person. For example, a sudden announcement may happen 'to everyone's surprise', or good news may arrive 'to her great relief'.
To Élise's surprise, the old house still had running water and electricity.
to + possessive + emotion noun (surprise)
Much to Sivan's relief, the test results arrived before the holiday.
to + possessive + emotion noun (relief)
To Trang's delight, the garden produced tomatoes even in the dry season.
to + possessive + emotion noun (delight)
To Ignacio's disappointment, the Sunday market was closed because of the rain.
to + possessive + emotion noun (disappointment)
Much to the children's amusement, the puppy chased its own tail around the garden.
to + possessive + emotion noun (amusement)
- to my surprise
- to her relief
- to his delight
- to their dismay
- to everyone's shock
- to my disappointment
Grammar Patterns
to + possessive pronoun/name + emotion noun
Usage Note
This pattern uses a possessive pronoun or name before the emotion word: to my surprise, to her relief, to the crowd's delight. The noun after 'to' must always be possessive. 'Much to…' adds emphasis.
Common Mistakes
26. according to a particular person's or group's way of thinking, judging, or under
according to a particular person's or group's way of thinking, judging, or understanding something
To Mark, the most important thing was finding a warm, safe place to sleep.
to + person, + clause showing their opinion
The government plan seemed reasonable to everyone except the local farmers.
To the children, the long walk through the forest felt like a great adventure.
to + group, + clause showing their perspective
What looked like a simple problem to Beatriz was very difficult for the rest of us.
To Jiwoo, the decision to move to a new city was both exciting and frightening.
to + person, + clause showing mixed feelings
- to me
- to them
- to the public
- to the government
- in someone's view
slightly more formal; often used in writing
Grammar Patterns
to + person/group, + clause
Usage Note
Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, contrasting one viewpoint with another or stating a personal judgment.
27. used to indicate the person or group that someone works for, reports to, or prov
used to indicate the person or group that someone works for, reports to, or provides professional help to
Dr. Okafor worked as the main medical advisor to the village health council.
noun (advisor) + to + noun (council)
The young woman became a personal assistant to the director of the museum.
A special guide was assigned to the group of foreign visitors at the airport.
Chef Ignacio served as an adviser to the school's lunch programme last year.
noun (adviser) + to + noun (programme)
Ms. Amani was appointed as the official interpreter to the trade delegation.
- assistant to
- advisor to
- secretary to
- interpreter to
- consultant to
- for
less specific about the hierarchical relationship; 'to' implies a direct reporting or service line
Grammar Patterns
noun (role) + to + noun (person/group)
Usage Note
Common after job-role nouns such as assistant, adviser, secretary, interpreter, consultant. The person following 'to' holds authority or is the recipient of the service.
Common Mistakes
28. in a position where one surface or body part is pressed against another or is pl
in a position where one surface or body part is pressed against another or is placed very close to it
The grey cat curled up with its nose pressed to the cold window.
press + body part + to + surface
Jiwoo held the old photograph to her chest and closed her eyes.
hold + object + to + body part
The dancer stood with her back to the mirror in the practice studio.
body part + to + object (facing away)
Mark leaned his bicycle against the wall to keep it from falling.
The two children sat back to back on the floor during story time.
body part + to + body part (mutual contact)
- pressed to
- held to
- back to back
- face to face
- side to side
- against
emphasises pressure or support; 'to' is more neutral about contact
Grammar Patterns
verb + body part/object + to + surface/object
Usage Note
Often used with verbs of physical placement or pressure: press, hold, lean, put, place. The object after 'to' is typically a hard surface or another body part.
29. used to show that a physical or functional part belongs with a specific object —
used to show that a physical or functional part belongs with a specific object — such as a key to a lock, a lid to a box, or a password to an account
Trang found the missing key to the old wooden chest in the attic.
key + to + noun (the thing it opens)
Tara searched everywhere for the lid to the blue plastic storage box.
Beatrix could not remember the password to her email account.
password + to + account
The answer to the last question was surprisingly simple.
Defne kept the instruction manual to the coffee machine in the kitchen drawer.
manual + to + machine
- key to
- answer to
- password to
- lid to
- solution to
- entrance to
- of
can replace 'to' in some cases but sounds less natural for matched items; 'the key of the door' is possible but 'the key to the door' is more idiomatic
Grammar Patterns
noun (part/piece) + to + noun (whole/set)
Usage Note
Common with nouns for matched items: key/lid/cap/cover/password/answer/solution/manual. The 'to' links an accessory or component to its parent object.
Common Mistakes
30. used when describing a thing, place, or person by pointing out a noticeable qual
used when describing a thing, place, or person by pointing out a noticeable quality or feature that it has
There is a strange smell to the water that no one can identify.
there is + quality + to + noun
There is a certain charm to the old town that attracts many tourists.
The artist said there is a special beauty to winter mornings in the mountains.
There was a gentle warmth to her voice that calmed the nervous children.
there was + quality + to + noun
The new smartphone has a sleek, modern look to it that people love.
have + quality + to + pronoun (it)
- something to it
- a look to
- a feel to
- a charm to
- a smell to
- about
'about' can replace 'to' in this pattern ('something strange about the water') but is less specific about the quality being a feature inherent to the thing
Grammar Patterns
there is + noun phrase + to + noun/pronoun
Usage Note
Often appears in the patterns 'there is/isn't something to + noun' or 'have + quality + to + it/them'. The quality named is usually sensory or evaluative: smell, look, feel, charm, beauty.
31. showing where something or someone is located, by comparing its position with th
showing where something or someone is located, by comparing its position with the position of another thing — for example, standing to the left of a door, or a city lying to the north of another city.
The library is to the left of the main entrance.
to the left / to the right — position relative to a landmark
Adisa sat to my right during the long ceremony.
Japan lies to the east of the Korean Peninsula.
to the east / west / north / south — compass direction from a reference
The car park is to the rear of the shopping centre.
Vivek pointed to the north and said the river was there.
- to the left
- to the right
- to the north
- to the east
- to the west
- to the south
- to the front
- to the rear
- to one's side
Grammar Patterns
to + [direction/location noun]
Usage Note
Often pairs with spatial nouns such as left, right, north, south, east, west, front, rear, and side. The pattern is: be + to + the + [spatial noun] + of + [reference point].
Common Mistakes
32. showing that something is done or created as a way of showing respect for someon
showing that something is done or created as a way of showing respect for someone or remembering them — for example, building a monument to fallen soldiers, or raising a glass to a bride and groom.
The town built a monument to the soldiers lost in the war.
build a monument + to + [person/group] — dedicating a structure
Élise raised her glass in a toast to the happy couple.
toast + to + [person/couple] — drinking in honour
The museum is dedicated to the memory of local artists.
Christopher wrote a poem to his grandfather's courage during the war.
- a toast to
- a monument to
- dedicated to
- a tribute to
- in memory of
- for
broader purpose (e.g., 'a monument for the town square' — location, not dedication)
- in honour of
a multi-word equivalent; more formal and explicit about the respectful intent
Grammar Patterns
dedicate / build / raise + noun + to + [person/group]
toast + to + [person/couple]
Usage Note
Common in ceremonial or commemorative contexts. Many fixed phrases use this pattern: 'a toast to…', 'dedicated to…', 'a tribute to…', 'in honour of…' (which is a near-synonym).
Common Mistakes
33. used for showing a fixed amount or rate that corresponds to each unit of somethi
used for showing a fixed amount or rate that corresponds to each unit of something — for example, how many miles a car can travel using one gallon of fuel, or how much local currency you get for one US dollar.
This car travels about forty miles to the gallon on the highway.
miles to the gallon — rate of fuel efficiency
The exchange rate was thirty-two baht to one US dollar.
currency + to + currency — exchange rate
There are roughly three apples to each kilogram in this box.
The camp provides one tent to every four people in the group.
- miles to the gallon
- baht to the dollar
- apples to each kilogram
- to each
- to every
Grammar Patterns
[quantity/measurement] + to + [unit]
Usage Note
Primarily British English for expressing rates (American English often uses 'per' or 'a' instead). Common in measurements of fuel efficiency, currency exchange, and proportional distribution.
Common Mistakes
34. used between two numbers, times, or amounts to show the full span between the fi
used between two numbers, times, or amounts to show the full span between the first and the second — for example, working from nine to five, or reading pages ten to twenty.
The shop is open from nine to five on weekdays.
from [time] to [time] — time range
Erik counted slowly from one to twenty in Spanish.
Tickets cost from ten to fifty dollars depending on the seat.
from [price] to [price] — price range
The temperature dropped from thirty to fifteen degrees overnight.
Bao read pages twenty to thirty before going to bed.
- from…to…
- from nine to five
- from start to finish
- from top to bottom
Grammar Patterns
from + [start] + to + [end]
Usage Note
Almost always pairs with 'from' in the pattern 'from X to Y'. The range can include times, prices, quantities, distances, pages, and many other countable scales.
Common Mistakes
35. done while following the rhythm or mood of a song, tune, or regular beat — for i
done while following the rhythm or mood of a song, tune, or regular beat — for instance, moving your body when a cheerful song plays, or clapping your hands together with each drumbeat.
The children danced to the cheerful song in the classroom.
dance to [music] — matching movement with rhythm
Adisa was humming to the tune playing on the radio.
The crowd clapped to the beat of the marching band.
clap to the beat / sway to the rhythm
Cyrus sang to the guitar music around the campfire.
Élise swayed to the rhythm of the slow jazz piece.
- dance to
- sing to
- hum to
- clap to
- sway to
- tap to
- to the beat
- to the rhythm
- to the music
- to the tune
- along with
emphasises doing the same activity as the music (e.g., 'sing along with the song')
- in time with
specifically matching the tempo/rhythm (e.g., 'clap in time with the beat')
Grammar Patterns
[verb of movement/performance] + to + [music/song/beat]
Usage Note
Commonly used with verbs of movement (dance, sway, tap, clap) or vocal performance (sing, hum). The noun after 'to' is typically a type of music, song, tune, beat, or rhythm.
Common Mistakes
36. used to link an action or event to its beneficial outcome or productive result —
used to link an action or event to its beneficial outcome or productive result — for instance, making changes 'to good effect', resolving a dispute 'to everyone's benefit', or implementing a policy 'to the advantage of the community'. Unlike sense 25, this sense does not name an emotion; it names a practical or social result.
The manager reorganised the team to good effect, and productivity rose.
to good effect — outcome-oriented result
The new bus route was designed to the benefit of residents in the outer suburbs.
to the benefit of + noun — practical result
The old rules were changed to the advantage of small business owners.
to the advantage of + noun — favourable result
The charity used every donation to the best possible effect for the local children.
The agreement was reached to the satisfaction of both sides in the dispute.
to the satisfaction of — outcome meeting expectations
- to good effect
- to the benefit of
- to the advantage of
- to the satisfaction of
- to the detriment of
- for the benefit of
more explicit about who gains; 'to the benefit of' and 'for the benefit of' are often interchangeable
Grammar Patterns
to + [positive effect/benefit/advantage noun]
Usage Note
Common in formal writing about policies, reforms, business decisions, and agreements. Unlike sense 25 (CAUSING FEELING), this sense does not name an emotion — it names a practical outcome or benefit such as 'effect', 'benefit', 'advantage', or 'satisfaction'.
Common Mistakes
37. marks the second item in a comparison, for instance after verbs like 'compare' o
marks the second item in a comparison, for instance after verbs like 'compare' or 'prefer'
Compared to last year, the company's profits have grown by fifteen percent.
compare A to B — introduces the basis of comparison
Rohan prefers cycling to driving during the morning rush hour.
prefer A to B — comparing two alternatives
The noise from the party was nothing compared to the street festival.
Antonia's handwriting is very similar to her mother's in style.
similar to — comparing likeness between two things
The final score was close to what the coach had expected all along.
- compared to
- prefer to
- similar to
- close to
- nothing compared to
- equal to
Grammar Patterns
compare A to B
prefer A to B
be similar to something
be nothing compared to
Usage Note
Frequently used in the fixed expressions 'compared to', 'prefer A to B', and 'nothing compared to'. Takes a noun phrase or gerund as its object.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: preposition/14
To and toward/towards both indicate direction, but to emphasises reaching the destination, while toward/towards focuses on the direction of movement without guaranteeing arrival. For example, 'Keiko walked to the station' means she arrived there, whereas 'Keiko walked toward the station' could mean she was still on the way. Into adds the idea of entering an enclosed space ('walked into the room'), while to simply indicates going as far as ('walked to the door'). For expressing purpose or destination, for suggests a goal as the reason for a journey ('left for Tokyo'), while to marks the endpoint of actual movement ('travelled to Tokyo'). Until applies to time rather than space: 'worked from nine to five' and 'worked until five' are interchangeable, but to is preferred with numbers and times ("ten to six", never "ten until six").
Common collocations
Phrases
- to and fro
- to be honest
- to tell you the truth
- to begin with
- to make matters worse
- to be fair
- to this day
- to sum up
- from … to …
- up to
- down to
- to be exact
- to say the least
- to put it simply
Prepositions
- according to
- due to
- prior to
- owing to
- next to
- close to
- subject to
- in addition to
- with respect to
- with regard to
- in relation to
- thanks to
- contrary to
Etymology
From Old English tō, which already had nearly all the modern senses — direction, purpose, infinitive marker, and comparison. The word traces further back to Proto-Germanic *tō, and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root *de- ("to, toward"). This same ancient root shows up in Latin -dere ("to put") and in the English adverb too ("in addition, excessively").