Although it is a common mistake, the words “to” and “too” are very easy to distinguish. Once you know how to tell the difference, you can teach it to others so they can tell the difference too!
Step
Method 1 of 1: Using “Too” and “To” Correctly
Step 1. Focus on “too” first
“Too” is used less frequently than “to” so if you know what “too” means, you can use it for certain meanings. You will feel confident that when “too” is not the right choice, “to” is the right choice.
Try emphasizing “too” when you say it to help evaluate whether the word is appropriate or not. If the word is supposed to be “to”, the pronunciation of “too” will sound weird when stressed. “Too” can be emphasized without sounding weird
Step 2. Learn the meaning of the word “too”
The first meaning of “too” is “also” (also) or “besides” (besides). The meaning of both is "too" (excessively) or "extra" (extra). In addition, some people also use it to say "very" (very). Assume “too” is relevant to use if there is an increase in something, such as temperature, difficulty level, etc. Examples are too hot (too hot), too challenging (too challenging), or too soft (too smooth).
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Choose the word “too” if this word can be replaced by the word “also” (also).
Example: “She felt awful too (also)” [He also feeling bad] or “I can see you too (also)” [I also can see you].
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Use “too” to change or emphasize a word.
Example: “The weather is too (excessively) hot” [The weather too hot], “I've eaten too (excessively) much” [I eat too many], or “The package is too (excessively/ extra) big” [Package too/extra big].
- "He wasn't too (very) interested in my book” [He is not too interested in my book].
Step 3. Learn the role of “to”
“To” is a preposition. Use “to” to indicate a direction, place, or location.
- “To” can be used when going somewhere. “I am going to the store” [I will go to shop] or “Will you just go to bed please! “[Could you (go.) to bed?].
- “Too” can be used when you are doing something to something or someone, such as: “I am speaking to your friend” [I'm talking with your friend] or “I am looking to the right” [I see to right].
Step 4. Understand that “to” is also used when you use a verb in an infinitive sentence (to + infinitive)
Example: “to go home”, “to catch a mouse”, or “to open the door”
Step 5. Practice distinguishing between “to” and “too”
Here are some examples to test yourself (answers are in the “Tips” section below):
- She's coming [to/too] your party [to/too].
- I'm [to/too] hot [to/too] help you carry [to/too/two] suitcases [to/too] the bus station.
- We are hoping [to/too] to be near the festival [to/too].
- It's [to/too] early [to/too] be asking me questions about where I am headed [to/too].
- I hate [to/too] disturb your thoughts but are you ready [to/too] help us with our homework [to/too]?
Tips
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Keep in mind a few other examples:
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Do you think we're arriving too soon? (Do you think we came too fast?)
Here, you can emphasize “too” to “tooooooo” as in “ much sooner than we should be arriving”.
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It's a cold day to be playing outside. (Today is a cold day for playing outside)
Emphasis here does not provide any affirmation or provide additional information
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They are going to the beach with us. (They will go to beach with us)
The emphasis here does not provide any affirmation or information because “to” is only used as a preposition
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Answers to the exam questions above:
- She's coming to your party too.
- I'm too hot to help you carry two suitcases to the bus station.
- We are hoping to be near the festival too.
- It's too early to be asking me questions about where I am headed to.
- I hate to disturb your thoughts, but are you ready to help us with our homework too?
- Many people believe that you should use a comma before "too," for example in the sentence, "I love you, too." In fact, using the comma is optional and some style guides discourage it. If your teacher or supervisor wants you to use a comma like this, you can do so. However, you are free to decide for yourself for your own writing.
- Some people claim that not ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically correct. You can prevent “to” and “too” errors by following this “logic” because you always avoid using “to” at the end of any sentence. However, this logic is a misunderstanding and modern grammarians claim that placing prepositions at the end of sentences has always been accepted from the past.
- Although it is a less common (but still wrong) mistake, don't forget the word “two”. This word is easy to distinguish because its meaning is the number 2.
