The difference between too and to (grammar lesson)


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Too means 'as well' or conveys the idea of 'in excess'. To is a preposition (e.g., Give it to her.) or is used to show the infinitive form of a verb (e.g., I want to run.)

There is often confusion over the words 'too' and 'to'. Both words have two uses:

Too

'Too' has two uses:

Too means 'as well' or 'also'.

I can do it too.

Did you think that too?

See the lesson: Too (as well or also)

Too portrays the idea of 'in excess' or 'more than it should be'.

This cat is too chubby.

The shoes were too expensive.

I'm glad to hear you smoke. A man should always have an occupation of some kind. There are far too many idle men in London as it is.

(Oscar Wilde) (See the same quote in the section below.)

See the lesson: Too (in excess)

To

'To' has two uses:

To is used in expressions like 'to walk', 'to run', 'to paint', etc. (These are all verbs in their 'infinitive forms'.)

I want to run around the planet.

Did you tell her what to think?

I'm glad to hear you smoke. A man should always have an occupation of some kind. There are far too many idle men in London as it is.

(Oscar Wilde) (See the same quote in the section above.)

See the lesson: To (infinitive form)

To is used in expressions like 'to the park', 'to the postman', 'agree to a proposal'. (The word 'to' in these examples is a preposition.)

She handed the parcel to the stranger.

I am going to the park.

See the lesson: To (preposition)

Select the correct version:

PREPOSITION?

The word 'to' is a preposition. Prepositions show the relationship between at least two words in a sentence.

He agreed to the proposal.
('To' shows the relationship between 'agreed' and 'proposal'.)

David ran to the park.
('To' shows the relationship between 'ran' and 'park'.)

Words like 'on', 'in' and 'by' are also prepositions. There are lots of others. (See lesson 'Prepositions'.)

INFINITIVE FORM?

Verbs are doing words like 'to dance', 'to sit', 'to fly', 'to think' etc.) (See lesson 'Verbs')

When 'to' is in front of a verb, the verb is said to be in its 'infinitive form'.

She likes to dance. (< verb 'to dance' in its infinitive form)
She dances. (< verb 'to dance' not in its infinitive form)