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Though it is a common mistake, the words "to" and "too" are very easy to differentiate. Once you know how to tell, you can teach others how to get it right too!
Steps
Usage Chart
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Focus on "too" first. "Too" is used less frequently than "to," so if you know what "too" means, then you can use it just for those specific meanings. You can feel confident that when "too" is not appropriate, "to" is the right choice. [1] X Research source
- Try stressing (emphasizing) "too" when spoken, to help yourself assess whether it is the correct word. If the word is meant to be "to," it will sound odd if stressed. "Too" can be emphasized without sounding unusual.
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Learn the meanings for "too". The first meaning is "also" or "besides"; the second meaning is "excessively" or "extra". In addition, some people use it to mean "very". Think of too as being relevant when there is an increase in something, such as temperature, difficulty, etc.; for example, "too hot", "too challenging", or "too soft". [2] X Research source
- Choose the word "too" when it can be substituted for the word "also."
- For example: "She felt awful too (also)" or "I can see you too (also)".
- Use "too" to modify or emphasize a word.
- For example: "The weather is too (excessively) hot", "I've eaten too (excessively) much", or "The package is too (excessively/extra) big".
- "He wasn't too (very) interested in my book."
Advertisement - Choose the word "too" when it can be substituted for the word "also."
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Learn the role of "to." "To" is a preposition . Use "to" for expressing direction, place, or position. [3] X Research source
- "To" can be used when going towards something."I am going to the store" or "Will you just go to bed please!"
- "To" can be used when you're doing something in the direction of something or someone, such as: "I am speaking to your friend", or "I am looking to the right".
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Understand that "to" is also used when you’re using a verb in the infinitive. [4] X Research source
- For example: "To go home", "to catch a mouse", or "to open the door."
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Practice telling "to" and "too" apart. Here are a few examples to test yourself with (answers in "Tips" below): [5] X Research source
- 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] 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]?
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Community Q&A
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QuestionShould I say like to or like too?Community AnswerWhat is the context of your phrase? If you want to say 'I like to swim' you should use 'to'. 'Like too' can be used too, but in a different meaning. For example: 'I like too much wine' (In this case ,you don't like an action but you like too much of something).
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QuestionIs saying "to cute" incorrect?Community AnswerIt depends on context. If someone went from ugly to cute, for example, then "to" is correct. However, if something is overly cute, it's "too" cute.
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QuestionWhy can't I use (to) in front of (home)?Community AnswerThe word "to" implies direction, the word "too" implies "also". For example, Take me to your home. I am going home, too. Without any other context to your question, this is the best response that can be made.
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Tips
- Some claim that never-ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically correct and that following this "logic" can prevent you from making a mistake with "to" and "too" because it'd mean you'd always avoid using the word "to" at the end of any sentence. However, this is based on a misunderstanding and modern grammarians claim that it is perfectly acceptable to place prepositions at the end of a sentence, and always has been. [6] X Research sourceThanks
- Keep in mind some more examples:
- Do you think we're arriving too
soon?
- Here, you can stress "toooo", as in it's much sooner than we should be arriving.
- It's a cold day to
be playing outside.
- Stressing here doesn't add any emphasis or give more information.
- They are going to
the beach with us.
- Stressing here doesn't add emphasis or information because "to" is simply being used as a preposition.
Thanks - Do you think we're arriving too
soon?
- Answers to the test questions:
- 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 ?
Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/to-too/
- ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/too
- ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/to
- ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/to
- ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/too-vs-to-vs-two/#when-to-use-to-vs-too
- ↑ Patricia O'Connor, Woe is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English , p. 183, (1998), ISBN 1-57322-625-4
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To use "too" and "to" correctly, use "too" when you want to say "also" or "excessively," and use "to" as a preposition for expressing direction, place, or position. For example, you would use "too" in "I like cake too" or "I eat too much cake." However, you would use "to" in "Let's go to the cake shop" or "I want to get some cake." An easy way to remember is that "too" is often stressed when it's spoken and "to" is never stressed. To learn how to practice using "too" and "to" correctly, scroll down!
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- "I was writing the words of a song called 'Trust His Heart" on my Facebook page, and the chorus is written, "God is to wise to be mistaken." I thought that seemed wrong, so I just wanted to be sure. I did not want to use poor English on Facebook. So, I changed it to " God is too wise to be mistaken." I believe I got it right this time. Thank you, your explanation was clear and it confirmed my concerns. " ..." more
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"I was writing the words of a song called 'Trust His Heart" on my Facebook page, and the chorus is written, "God is to wise to be mistaken." I thought that seemed wrong, so I just wanted to be sure. I did not want to use poor English on Facebook. So, I changed it to " God is too wise to be mistaken." I believe I got it right this time. Thank you, your explanation was clear and it confirmed my concerns. "
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"I was simply researching the proper usage of "to" and "too". I came across this article and after reading the entire piece, including the quizzes, I realized it is significantly better than the typical informative piece on the correct use of words."
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"I enjoyed everything about this article. I started out just wanting to glance at certain points, but I found myself reading the entire article, including tips and points. I totally enjoyed it."
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"This article helped me a lot as I now know the difference between too and to. I have been searching for an answer to my question and this answered it! Thanks!"
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"I was having trouble with "to/ too" in a sentence. I found my answer, as well as a way to insure the correct answer in the future. "
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