The spelling of the word "wert to" may seem unusual to some, but it is actually derived from the archaic English word "wert" meaning "were" or "was". The "to" at the end signifies the direction or intention of the verb. In IPA phonetic transcription, "wert" is pronounced as /wɜːt/ and "to" is pronounced as /tuː/. This spelling convention is no longer commonly used in modern English and can be confusing for non-native speakers.
"Wert to" is a nonstandard and archaic English construction formed by combining the verb "wert" and the preposition "to." It is derived from Old English and can be seen as part of the now obsolete second-person singular past tense of the verb "to be."
The usage of "wert to" dates back to Middle English and was most commonly found in early modern literature, particularly in Shakespearean plays and poetry. It is an alternative form of the pronoun "thou," which was used to address an individual in an intimate or familiar manner.
The phrase "wert to" implies an action or an intent to do something, thereby indicating a sense of obligation or duty. It is often used to express the expectation of or necessity for a certain action, similar to expressions like "ought to" or "have to" in modern English.
However, it is essential to recognize that "wert to" is no longer used in contemporary English. Its archaic nature and absence from modern linguistic practices mean that you are unlikely to come across this phrase in everyday conversation or writing. Thus, it primarily serves as a historical reference, belonging to a bygone era of the English language.