too
- 01 A1 Beginner
more than is needed, wanted, or possible.
to an excessive degree; used before adjectives or adverbs to indicate that a quality exceeds a desirable or functional limit.
Simple“The soup was too salty to eat, so I had to send it back.”
In context“The instructions were too complex for a novice to follow without constant supervision from a senior technician.”
UsagePlaced immediately before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
PitfallThe coffee is very hot to drink. The coffee is too hot to drink.Use 'too' when a quality is so strong that it causes a problem or prevents an action. 'Very' just means 'to a high degree'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 A1 Beginner
in addition; also.
likewise or in addition; functions as an additive focus marker.
Simple“I am going to the cinema tonight, and my brother is coming too.”
In context“While the primary goal is to reduce costs, the new policy aims to improve employee satisfaction too.”
UsageUsually placed at the end of a clause or sentence.
PitfallI too like chocolate. I like chocolate too.While 'too' can appear after the subject in formal writing, it most naturally sits at the end of the sentence in everyday English.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
very or extremely.
used as an intensifier to mean 'very'; often found in fixed expressions like 'only too happy'.
Simple“I would be only too happy to help you with your project.”
In context“The consequences of ignoring the safety warnings are only too clear to those who have worked in the industry for years.”
too vs to vs two — To marks a destination or an infinitive, too indicates excess or addition, and two is the number 2.
Usage too long · too late · too early
From Middle English to (“also, in addition to”), from Old English tō (“furthermore, also, besides”), adverbial use of preposition tō (“to, into”). The sense of "in addition, also" deriving from the original meaning of "apart, separately" (compare Old English prefix tō- (“apart”)). Doublet of to; see there for more.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.