A preposition is used to link nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence. The word or phrase that the preposition introduces is called the object of the preposition. A preposition is used to indicate the temporal, spatial or logical relationship of its object to the rest of the sentence. Here are some examples of the preposition “to”:
Preposition TO
Used for expressing motion or direction toward a point, person, place, or thing approached and reached, as opposed to from:
- The family came to their house.
- He drove his car to Chicago.
Used for expressing direction or motion or direction toward something:
- She walked from her house to school.
- He drove his car from St. Louis to Chicago.
Used for expressing limit of movement or extension:
- He grew to six feet.
- He stood up and stretched his hands to the ceiling.
Used for expressing contact or contiguity (on; against; beside; upon):
- He applied pressure to the wound.
- We told him to paint the fence.
Used for expressing a point of limit in time (before; until):
- It is now ten minutes to seven.
- Our working hours are from eight to four.
Used for expressing aim, purpose, or intention:
- The emergency team is going to the crash site.
- He is studying to pass the exam.
Used for expressing destination or appointed end:
- The judge sentenced the criminal to prison.
- He running to win the race.