Difference Wiki

To vs. At: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 21, 2023
'To' indicates movement towards a destination or end point, while 'at' denotes a specific location or point in time.

Key Differences

'To' is often used to express direction towards a place, person, or thing, suggesting movement or action. 'At', in contrast, is used to specify a particular point or location, indicating where something or someone is.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
'To' can indicate the recipient of an action, showing the direction of an activity or gesture. 'At' is used to specify a point in time, indicating when an event occurs or is scheduled to occur.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
In expressions of time, 'to' is used to indicate a range, leading up to a point, such as "five minutes to noon". 'At' is precise, used for exact times, such as "meet me at noon".
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
'To' can express purpose or intention, as in "went to the store to buy groceries". 'At' is used to reference specific activities or states, like "good at mathematics".
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
'To' also helps form the infinitive of verbs, such as "to read". 'At' can be used to indicate a specific condition or state, like "at peace".
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Basic Function

Indicates direction or movement towards
Denotes a specific location or point in time
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Usage in Sentences

Shows recipient, direction, purpose
Specifies a precise location or time
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Time Expressions

Used for ranges leading up to a point
Used for specific times or moments
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Purpose and Intention

Expresses intention or reason for action
Indicates specific activities or states
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

Formation

Forms the infinitive of verbs
Used to reference conditions or states
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
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To and At Definitions

To

'To' indicates direction towards a place or person.
She is going to the market.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

At

'At' denotes a specific location.
Meet me at the library.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

To

'To' marks the recipient of an action.
He gave the book to his friend.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023

At

'At' is used in electronic communication addresses.
Contact me at [email protected]
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023

To

'To' is used in time expressions approaching a point.
It's quarter to five.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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At

'At' can indicate a specific condition.
He is at ease.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023

To

'To' expresses purpose or intention.
She went to the store to buy bread.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

At

'At' is used to specify a point in time.
The meeting starts at 9 AM.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

To

'To' forms the infinitive of a verb.
He loves to play soccer.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

At

'At' indicates an activity or state.
She is good at painting.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

To

In a direction toward so as to reach
Went to the city.
Sara Rehman
Jan 04, 2023

At

In or near the area occupied by; in or near the location of
At the market.
At our destination.
Sara Rehman
Jan 04, 2023

To

Towards
Turned to me.
Sara Rehman
Jan 04, 2023

At

In or near the position of
Always at my side.
At the center of the page.
Sara Rehman
Jan 04, 2023

To

Reaching as far as
The ocean water was clear all the way to the bottom.
Sara Rehman
Jan 04, 2023

At

To or toward the direction or location of, especially for a specific purpose
Questions came at us from all sides.
Sara Rehman
Jan 04, 2023

FAQs

Can 'to' express purpose?

Yes, 'to' can express purpose or intention.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

What does 'to' indicate?

'To' indicates direction towards a destination or recipient.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Can 'at' indicate a state or condition?

Yes, 'at' can indicate a particular state or condition.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

How is 'to' used in time expressions?

'To' is used in time expressions leading up to a point.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023

Can 'at' be used in email addresses?

Yes, 'at' (@) is used in electronic communication addresses.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Can 'to' indicate a range in time?

Yes, 'to' can be used to indicate a range, like "10 to 12".
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

How is 'at' used in the context of skills?

'At' is used to indicate proficiency in a skill, like "good at chess".
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

Can 'at' refer to specific moments?

Yes, 'at' can refer to specific moments, like "at midnight".
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023

What does 'at' signify?

'At' signifies a specific location or point in time.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Is 'at' used for exact times?

Yes, 'at' is used for specifying exact times.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023

Is 'at' used for specific locations?

Yes, 'at' is used to denote a specific location.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023

How is 'at' used in addresses?

'At' is used in addresses to specify a particular place, like "at 123 Main St".
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023

Is 'to' used to form infinitives?

Yes, 'to' is used to form the infinitive form of verbs.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Does 'to' show movement?

Yes, 'to' often shows movement towards something or someone.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Does 'to' have different meanings?

Yes, 'to' can have various meanings based on context, such as direction, purpose, or time.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023

Is 'at' versatile in usage?

Yes, 'at' is versatile, used for location, time, conditions, and more.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Can 'to' be used for recipients?

Yes, 'to' is often used to indicate the recipient of an action.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023

Is 'to' a preposition?

Yes, 'to' is commonly used as a preposition.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Can 'at' be a conjunction?

No, 'at' is not typically used as a conjunction.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023

Is 'to' used in comparisons?

'To' can be used in comparisons, like "similar to".
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara Rehman
Sara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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