The rule, as people use it
"To" plus a verb does more than follow want and need. Speakers use it in four other places every day.
The first is to give a reason. "I went out to buy milk" answers the question why. Many learners say "for buy milk" or "for to buy milk", because that's how their language does it. English uses "to" alone: "I'm calling to ask about my order."
The second is after too and enough. "Too" means more than works: "It's too cold to swim." "Enough" means as much as you need, and it goes after an adjective: "She's old enough to drive." Watch the order, because "enough old" is a common slip.
The third is after an adjective that describes how something feels or is: nice to meet you, hard to explain, happy to help, safe to eat. You'll often hear it start with "it's": "It's hard to say." "It's good to see you."
The fourth is after question words, when you're talking about what to do: "I'm not sure what to order." "Can someone tell me how to turn this on?" "We couldn't decide where to go."
Examples
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Fill the gap
Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.
- 1
I came here (see) you.
- 2
The box is too heavy (carry).
- 3
Is the water warm (enough) swim in?
- 4
Jake doesn't know (what / say).
- 5
It's great (see) you again.
- 6
She's not old (enough / drive) yet.
- 7
Can you tell me (how / get) to the station?
- 8
He's saving money (travel) around Asia.
Practice · 3 min
Answer out loud, then write: Why are you learning English? Name one thing that's too expensive for you to buy right now. Name one thing you're old enough to do but don't. What's something that's hard to explain in your language? What's one thing you don't know how to do yet? Check that each answer uses "to" plus the base verb, and that "enough" comes after the adjective.
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.