What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onto
Example
He climbed onto the roof to fix the shingles. [onto: preposition]
Example
The cat jumped onto the table to catch the mouse. [onto: preposition]
to
Example
I am going to the store to buy some groceries. [to: preposition]
Example
She gave the book to her friend. [to: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
To is more commonly used than onto in everyday language. To is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while onto is less common and refers to a more specific type of movement or transfer.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onto and to?
While to is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, onto may be more informal and less appropriate for formal writing or speech.
