To vs Too Grammar

To and Too are words easily confused and sometimes it is tricky to spot the difference. The explanation of how they are different, though is actually quite simple.

You can also watch a video of this lesson:

So lets take a look at to vs too. Below you'll learn some of the main uses of to, then we'll look at how too is used. There is also a quiz at the end to practice what you have learned.

To

Preposition

To is a preposition. There are many different ways in which it may be used in this way, so these are just some examples.

Examples:

I wanted to help him (infinitive)
We went to Spain last year (showing direction)
I lent my bike to my cousin (receiving)
It's one week to Easter (until a time or state is reached)
I fell to pieces when he died (extreme state)
The school is planning to close on Monday (future)
She's an advisor to the Prime Minister (serving someone)
He always stands to my left (position)
There are 0.8 dollars to the pound (for each)

Too

Adverb

Too is an adverb. There are two ways in which it is used as an adverb.

The first is to how something is excessive. Or in other words, more than is needed or wanted, or more than is suitable or enough.

When used in this way it appears before an adjective.

Examples:

I'm not comfortable as it is too hot today
I didn't buy the book as it was too expensive
He arrived too late, so they wouldn't let him in
The test is too hard. I'm sure I'll fail

Another meaning is also or in addition. When it is used in this way, it usually comes at the end of the sentence.

Examples:

I hope that Jane comes too
He put on a coat and a jacket too
The government reduced income tax. They should reduce VAT too

Top Tip for To vs Too

When considering to vs too, the best way to decide is to focus the meaning of too as this is much simpler than to with fewer meanings.

Think about whether what you are saying is about something being excessive or in addition to something. If it is then it is too. If not, it will be to.

Common Error

You should also be aware of a common ESL error when using too. Learners of English often use it to mean very in a positive way. So for example:

He is too (very) nice to me

This will confuse people as it will be interpreted to mean that you don't like that person being nice to you!

So be careful. It is only used to speak in a negative way about something.

Practice what you have learned in the to vs too quiz

More Confusing Words:

Alot or A Lot Grammar Differences. Which should you use?
Which should you choose of these two words - alot or a lot? A lot means that there is many of something. For instance, 'There are a lot of people here'. Alot is actually not a word that exists, so don't use it!
Drank or Drunk: Advice on which to choose
Confused about whether to use drank or drunk? Drunk is actually the past participle used with the verb 'have'. So 'I have drunk a lot tonight'. 'Drank' is simply the past simple: 'I drank a lot last night'.
Either or Neither Quiz
Take an either or neither quiz to test your knowledge on these two words and to improve your grammar.
Anyway or Anyways Grammar. What's the difference?
Should you use anyway or anyways? Anyway is an adverb that has two meanings. One is 'regardless', the other is to indicate that you are returning to talk about some thing you were talking about before. Anyways has the same meanings but it is very informal English.
People Are or Is Grammar Explanation with Examples
Deciding whether to say people are or is in English grammar can be confusing but the explanation is in the difference between the plural and the singular.
Past Tense of Feel: Choosing feel or felt
The past tense of feel is felt. We don't say feeled as feel is an irregular verb which means that it doesn't follow the usual pattern of past simple verbs.
Past Tense of Fit - Explanation and Examples
The past tense of fit can be either fit or fitted as it very much depends on whether it's being used in American English or British English.
Difference between affect and effect: Verb or Noun?
The difference between affect and effect is that while one is a noun, the other is a verb. So this will influence where you place the word in your sentence.
Its or It's: Grammar rules to know the difference
Simple rules for its or it's: "It's" with the apostrophe is the shortened form of "it is" or "it has": "It's (it is) hot today"; "It's (it has) been a long time since I saw you". "Its" on the other hand indicates the possessive: "The company increased its wages".
Titled Versus Entitled: How to Choose
This lesson examines titled versus entitled. The words are very different in meaning so it's important to know which is correct.
Be / Get Used to: Learn the Differences
Be / get used to is used to talk about something that one is familiar with or accustomed to. There are slight difference between 'be' and 'get'.
Past tense of hang - Explanation and examples
In using the past tense of hang, there is often confusion over whether to use hanged or hung. Here we will explain the differences and which one is correct.
Backward vs Backwards Grammar Differences Explained
Backward can be an adverb or an adjective. As an adjective it means regressive or undeveloped. As an adverb it indicates direction. So those are the Backward vs Backwards grammar differences. The 's' arises with differences between the US and the British Spellings.