The word “to” is often confusing in English. It can be used as part of a modal expression, infinitive or as a preposition.
Note the usage of “to” in the following sentences.
| To V |
- I used to live in Utah.
- I am supposed to go.
- I hope to see you.
To V ing
- I am used to living in Utah.
- I am opposed to going.
- I look forward to seeing you.
Modal expressions are always followed by the base form of the verb.
ought to have to have got to used to |
be to be able to be supposed to be going to |
Similar expressions are followed by infinitives (to + V)
need to V want to V hope to V happen to V mean to V tend to V care to V wish to V would like to V |
be allowed to V be inclined to V be reluctant to V be willing to V be happy to V be afraid to V be required to V be delighted to V be compelled to V |
Many prepositional combinations using “to” are followed by gerunds
look forward to V ing resort to V ing submit to V ing confess to V ing give in to V ing admit to V ing with regards to V ing |
be accustomed to V ing be addicted to V ing be opposed to V ing be limited to V ing be dedicated to V ing be commited to V ing be used to V ing |
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