The word "to" is used with many verbs. Let’s learn how it works!
1. "To" with Verbs:
We can use "to" with verbs in these ways:
- Willingness: This shows that someone is ready to do something.
- Examples: be willing, consent, refuse.
- Desire: This shows what someone wants.
- Examples: desire, want, wish, like, ask, request, prefer.
- Intention: This shows what someone plans to do.
- Examples: intend, plan, prepare.
- Obligation: This shows what someone must do.
- Examples: be obligated, have, need.
Examples:
- I refuse to let you scare me.
- I would like to ask her about skiing.
- I plan to finish school this summer.
- Henry had to pay his school fee.
2. "To" as a Preposition:
Sometimes, "to" is just a normal preposition.
- Verbs of Communication: Examples include listen, speak (but not tell), relate, appeal.
- Verbs of Movement: These words show movement, like move, go, walk, run, travel, etc.
"To" vs. "Toward"
- "To" means going to a specific place.
- "Toward" means going in a general direction, but not necessarily arriving.
Examples:
- The golf ball rolled toward the hole. (It is moving to the hole.)
- Drive toward the city limits. (Go in the direction of the city limits; you might not get there.)
- Please take me to the airport. (I want to reach the airport.)
Remember, "to" can show what you want to do or where you want to go!