To (The Preposition)

"To" Is a Preposition

When "to" is used in expressions like "to the park," "to the postman," and "agree to a proposal," it is a preposition.

Usually, you can replace "to" with "for" or "toward," both of which are also prepositions. For example:

• I wrote a letter to Santa Claus.
(As "I wrote a letter for Santa Claus" also works, "to" is correct.)
• She went to the shops.
("She went toward the shop" has a slightly different meaning, but it works grammatically. Therefore, "to" is correct.)

What Is a Preposition?

The word "preposition" means positioned before. A preposition sits typically before a word to show that word's relationship to another nearby word. For example:

• Give the bone to the dog.
(Here, the preposition "to" tells us the relationship between "give" and "dog.")
• He is a boy from the ghetto.
(Here, the preposition "from" tells us the relationship between "ghetto" and "boy.")

The following are also prepositions: "in," "on," "at," "around," "above," "near," "underneath," "alongside," "of," and "for." Read more about prepositions.

More about "To" As a Preposition

Using "to" as a preposition is extremely common. Using "too" as a preposition is a serious grammar mistake. The word "to" has two uses. The one covered on this page is its use as a preposition.

This infographic summarizes the different uses of "to" and "too":

All the uses of "too" and "to" are shown in the lesson the difference between "to" and "too".

More Examples of "To" as a Preposition

• Alan gave the box to me.
("To" shows the relationship between the words "gave," "box," and "me.")
• Please return the slips to the secretary.

Here is a real-life example:

• I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book. (Comedian Groucho Marx)

The next two examples are mistakes. ("Too" cannot be used as a preposition.)

• They should send all of them too the moon.
• Is that the diamond you gave too your cousin?

"To" Is Not Always a Preposition

The word "to" is also used as the sign of the infinitive. This means it appears before a verb to show the verb is in its basic form. For example:

• I want to run.
• It is important to think.
(In these examples, the word "to" is not a preposition.)

Here is a real-life example:

• I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member. (Groucho Marx)
(Here, "to" is not a preposition.)

Look at this example:

• Next time I see you, remind me not to talk to you. (Groucho Marx)
(Here, the first "to" marks an infinitive verb, but the second one is a preposition.)

Read more about "to" as the sign of the infinitive.

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