Too Vs To: What's the Difference? | Definition and Examples

If there is anything which makes grammar enthusiasts go crazy, it is the wrong use of too and to. Moreover, it is a common sight to see people confuse, abuse and misuse these two terms. Mixing up both of these words happens to many people but it shouldn’t be. We must know the difference between too vs to so that we can use them correctly. Too and to are homophones, which means they sound the same. Moreover, as their spelling is almost similar, people misuse it even more. But, it is important to note that their meaning is not the same. In other words, there can never be a situation where one can use them interchangeably. So, the only similarity between too vs to is that they sound alike.

Otherwise, their spellings are meanings are different. Thus, we will help you learn the difference between these two terms so that you will be able to make correct use of them in the right manner. We use to for expressing motion towards a destination or condition. Alternatively, too means also or excessively. After this article, you will be able to understand the correct use of too and to and clear all confusion easily.

too vs to

Difference between Too Vs To

As both of these terms are homophones like there and their, we get confused easily. But, as there is a huge difference between too vs to, we can learn it to avoid any future mistakes. We spell the word ‘to’ with just one ‘o’. Most importantly, it is a preposition.

Thus, it indicates direction or location when we use it in a sentence. For instance, Neha goes to the library every day. To remember it correctly and clearly, you can think of it as a replacement for words like ‘toward’ or ‘until’.

On the other hand, you will see that the word ‘too’ contains an extra ‘o’. Further, it is an adverb. The meaning of too is also or very. For instance, I like cotton candy, too.

When/How to Use Too

Too is an adverb which means also or in addition. Similarly, you can also use it in place of besides or as well. Moreover, it is also used to indicate excessiveness. For instance, if you find physics tough, you will say that it is too hard.

However, you are more likely to come across this term in informal speech as well in a few expressions. For instance, when you say you had too much fun at a party, it will mean that you enjoyed excessively or did something you might regret.

Let us take a look at the correct and incorrect use of too vs to:

Incorrect: Jakes likes too have coffee in the morning.

Correct: Jakes likes to have coffee in the morning.

When/How to Use To

Now that you know to is a preposition, it does not automatically mean that you know when to use it. The main reason we have trouble in learning the correct use of this word is that we use it often and it can mean different things.

This term plays a role when we denote that a verb is an infinitive. We use ‘to’ often to denote a relationship between words, relationships like attachment, an addition and possession. Further, we also use to denote a range or period of time. Let us take a look at the correct and incorrect use of too vs to:

Incorrect: Hey, are you going to the library? Can I come to?

Correct: Hey, are you going to the library? Can I come too?

Examples of Too – Using Too in a Sentence

There are two main functions of too. Firstly, we use it as an adverb which means also or as well or excessively. Further, we also use it as an adverb which means to a higher degree than is possible or necessary. Let us take a look at some examples of too so that you can understand it better:

Stop the bike, you are going too fast.
Nicky was too timid in the workplace.
Hey, are you going to the party? Can we come too?
That show is too corny for my taste.
My parents were both great painters. My sister, too, is an excellent painter.

Examples of To – Using To in a Sentence

As to is one of the most common words in English, it has a variety of functions. We use it as a preposition to express motion towards a physical destination or condition. Further, we also use it as an identifier for someone affected by something, to indicate things that are attached, as the infinitive marker and unspoken infinitive at the end of a sentence. Let’s take a look at some examples: