HEAD TO

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'head to' means to move or travel toward a particular place. It indicates the direction or destination of a journey or trip.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'head to' means to move or travel toward a particular place. It indicates the direction or destination of a journey or trip.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object does not come between 'head' and 'to'.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in most contexts, neither overly formal nor informal.
Transitive
No
Does not require a direct object; it needs a destination.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple head to We head to the mountains every summer.
Past Simple headed to She headed to the meeting without a second thought.
Present Continuous heading to They are heading to the coast this weekend.
Present Perfect have headed to I have headed to that museum several times.

đź’ˇ When to Use

Planning a journey
Use when discussing future travel plans to specific destinations.
Example: "We're heading to Paris next week for the conference."
Describing past travel
Appropriate for recounting travels or visits to known locations.
Example: "Last summer, he headed to the countryside to relax."
Giving directions
Useful when instructing someone on which direction to take.
Example: "To find the café, head to the end of the street and turn left."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition
❌ Wrong: She headed at the park for lunch.
âś… Correct: She headed to the park for lunch.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember: 'head to' specifies direction.
Missing destination
❌ Wrong: We're heading to.
âś… Correct: We're heading to the cinema.
đź’ˇ Tip: Always specify the destination with 'to'.
Separation error
❌ Wrong: She headed the beach to.
âś… Correct: She headed to the beach.
đź’ˇ Tip: Do not separate 'head' and 'to'.
Practice

HEAD TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

proceed to move toward

Antonyms

depart from

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After breakfast, we will ___ London for the exhibition."

depart on
head to
move from
walk out to

"To head to the horizon is to chase dreams uncharted, for every destination marks both an end and a new beginning."

In Context

In 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, was about to embark on one of the most significant journeys in history. Motivated by a desire to find a new route to Asia, Columbus and his crew headed to the mysterious Atlantic, believing they would reach the East Indies. Despite skepticism and fear among his men, Columbus headed to what lay beyond the horizon with unwavering determination. Setting sail from Palos de la Frontera, Columbus's fleet of three ships, the Pinta, the Niña, and the Santa María, spent weeks at sea, heading to uncharted waters. Tensions were high as the crew grew anxious with no sight of land. Stories of sea monsters and endless oceans played on their minds, yet Columbus maintained that heading to the west would bring them to new lands and riches. On October 12, 1492, just as hope was waning, land was spotted, and they made landfall in the Bahamas. Columbus believed he had reached the outskirts of Asia, unaware he had headed to something far more monumental—the New World. This voyage not only opened new territories but also changed global history, marking the beginning of lasting interactions between continents and civilizations.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Head To

What is the origin of head to?

+
The phrase 'head to' combines 'head', active since the early 15th century to mean moving in a direction, and 'to', which denotes directionality.

Can head to be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Head to' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, ideal for either casual plans or official travel.

What is the difference between head to and proceed to?

+
'Head to' is neutral and commonly used, while 'proceed to' often conveys a formal or procedural sense of continuation or progress.
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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