Debiasing semantic analysis: the case of the English preposition to

► The assumption of a core spatial meaning of prepositions is questioned. ► A spatial reading of to is prompted by collocating elements. ► No diachronic evidence is found that the earliest uses of to were spatial. ► The use of image schemas in semantics is found methodologically wanting. ► 'To' is defined as 'establisher of relationship between X and reference point Y'.