What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
into
Example
The cat jumped into the box. [into: preposition]
Example
She was so absorbed into the book that she lost track of time. [into: adverb]
to
Example
I am going to the store to buy some groceries. [to: preposition]
Example
He gave the book to his friend. [to: preposition]
Example
I want to learn how to play the guitar. [to: infinitive marker]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
To is more commonly used than into in everyday language. To is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while into is less common and refers to a more specific type of movement or transformation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between into and to?
Both into and to can be used in formal and informal contexts, but into may be considered slightly more formal due to its specificity and less frequent usage.