to
infinitive marker/tə/, before vowels /tu/, strong form /tuː/
/tə/, before vowels /tu/, strong form /tuː/
To is often used before the base form of a verb to show that the verb is in the infinitive. The infinitive is used after many verbs and also after many nouns and adjectives.- used to show purpose or intention
- I set out to buy food.
- I am going to tell you a story.
- She was determined to do well.
- His aim was to become president.
- To be honest with you, I don't remember what he said.
- used to show the result of something
- She managed to escape.
- It was too hot to go out.
- He couldn't get close enough to see.
- used to show the cause of something
- I'm sorry to hear that.
- used to show an action that you want or are advised to do
- I'd love to go to France this summer.
- The leaflet explains how to apply for a place.
- I don't know what to say.
- used to show something that is known or reported about a particular person or thing
- The house was said to be haunted.
- used to show that one action immediately follows another
- I reached the station only to find that my train had already left.
- am, is, are, was, were to used to show that you must or should do something
- You are not to talk during the exam.
- She was to be here at 8.30 but she didn't arrive.
Word OriginOld English tō (adverb and preposition), of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch toe and German zu.
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