Prepositions of direction show movement toward a place or point. They answer the question "Where to?" by indicating the goal or endpoint of movement. In English, they are used with verbs of motion like 'go,' 'walk,' 'run,' and 'move.' They do not describe static location; they describe the path or target of movement.

Rule
Prepositions of direction indicate the target of movement.
Use a preposition of direction with a verb of movement to specify where someone or something is moving.

'Toward' shows movement in the direction of a place or point. It focuses on the direction, not necessarily arrival at the destination. It can be used with nouns or noun phrases that name the goal. In everyday use, 'toward' often implies approaching but not entering.

Rule
'Toward' shows movement in the direction of a place or person.
'Toward' does not require arrival at the endpoint.

'Into' shows movement from outside to inside a space. It marks entry to an enclosed or defined area. It contrasts with 'in,' which describes being inside without movement. Use 'into' when the action crosses a boundary and results in being inside.

Rule
'Into' shows movement from outside to inside.
Use 'into' when the movement results in being inside a place.

'Onto' shows movement to the top or surface of something. It marks a change from not being on a surface to being on it. It contrasts with 'on,' which describes being on a surface without movement. Use 'onto' when the action places something or someone on a surface.

Rule
'Onto' shows movement to a surface or top of something.
Use 'onto' when the movement results in being on a surface.

'Away from' shows movement starting at a place and going in the opposite direction. It focuses on leaving or increasing distance from a point. It is often used to describe departure or retreat. It pairs with a reference point that names the starting location.

Rule
'Away from' shows movement leaving a place or point.
Use 'away from' to emphasize increasing distance from a location.

'To' shows movement reaching a destination, while 'into' shows movement entering a space. Use 'to' with places as endpoints, such as buildings or locations. Use 'into' when the focus is on crossing a boundary and becoming inside. The choice depends on whether the meaning is arrival at a place or entry into it.

Rule
Use 'to' for movement reaching a destination.
Use 'into' for movement entering a space.