unto

unto — preposition

1. an old or formal word meaning 'to' or 'toward' — used to indicate direction, the

1.介系詞C1
釋義

an old or formal word meaning 'to' or 'toward' — used to indicate direction, the person being addressed, or the object of a relationship

例句

Lucas carried the wounded soldier unto the physician's tent before the battle resumed.

directional: movement toward a place

The old letter read: 'Speak this message unto my daughter and no other.'

addressing pattern: speak/say + unto + person

同義詞
  • to

    the modern default preposition for direction and receiving; neutral register

  • toward / towards

    emphasises direction or orientation rather than arrival; slightly more formal than 'to'

  • for

    can indicate the recipient or purpose, but not directly directional like 'unto'

反義詞
  • from

    indicates origin or separation — the opposite direction

文法句型

unto + noun phrase (person or place)

unto + reflexive pronoun (oneself)

用法筆記

Primarily found in religious texts (the King James Bible), historical literature, proverbs, and formal set phrases. Avoid in modern everyday speech — use 'to' or 'toward(s)' instead. The phrase 'a law unto oneself' (meaning someone who ignores rules) is a common fixed expression still heard today.

常見錯誤

❌I walked unto the store this morning.
✅I walked to the store this morning.
💡'unto' is not used for ordinary modern-direction sentences; use 'to'.
❌She gave the flowers unto her mother.
✅She gave the flowers to her mother.
💡'unto' sounds unnatural in modern everyday giving; use 'to'.