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How to Use Too vs. To (Definition, Plus Examples)

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Elan Yash

Elan is head of design and tech. He's also a contributor at Grammarflex.

To, too and two

If it’s a burden to use to, too and two correctly, then stick around for this lesson in grammar. It’s an important one for you to learn, and should only take a minute … or two.

When to use too vs. to

Part of speech Examples
too [adverb] They didn’t seem too interested in hearing what we had to say.
to [preposition] We went back to the original idea.
two [adj./quantity] It’s two in the morning! Why are you awake?

To is a preposition.

Too is mostly used as an adverb meaning “besides” or “also”. In some contexts it can mean “excessively“, or to an excessive degree or extent; e.g., “the event was much too lavish for my taste“.  

Two is the number and quantity of having 1 + 1 = 2 (“Can I please have two minutes of silence?“)

What are prepositions?

Think of prepositions as this magic invisible tape that makes sentences stick together and make sense. You don’t really notice them in speech or conversation, but they’re everywhere in English.

Prepositions do more than simply glue parts of sentences togethers, they can also transform into other parts of speech. We use prepositions to indicate place, time, direction, and sometimes abstract connections. They tend to be smaller words, though not always—take a look at some of the most common prepositions:

  • in
  • at
  • on
  • to
  • over
  • above
  • below
  • underneath
  • beneath
  • by
  • next to
  • near
  • inside

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Sentences with too vs. to

“To“, used in sentences “Too”, used in sentences
Let’s go to the mall.

He said he was going to the store.

He’s generous to a fault.

 I’ll have the fish too.

I want to see the mountains and the ocean too.

I am too tired to work today.

More confusing words

Homonyms (or homophones) Related topics
Commonly misused words UK English vs. US English
former vs. latter burned or burnt?
bear with vs. bare with color or colour?
breathe or breath favorite vs. favourite
compliment vs. complement smelled or smelt?
effect vs. affect spelled or spelt?
elude or allude favor vs. favour
it’s or its analyze or analyse?

Practice: To vs too

Question 1 of 5

I want ______ go to the park.


She is coming ______.


The soup is ______ hot to eat.


He went ______ the store after work.


I ate ______ much candy.




FAQs

How is “too” used as an adverb?
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“Too” functions as an adverb, signifying “also” or “besides,” as in “I’ll have the fish too.” It can also indicate excess, meaning “excessively,” like in “The event was much too lavish.” .

What part of speech is “to”?
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“To” primarily acts as a preposition, connecting words and phrases to show relationships, similar to invisible tape holding sentences together. Examples include “Let’s go to the mall” and “He’s.

What is the numerical meaning of “two”?
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“Two” represents the numerical quantity of 2; the sum of 1 + 1. It’s straightforward in its application, used in sentences like “It’s two in the morning!” or “Can I have two minutes?”. Simple.

“To” or “too” in “We went ___ the store”?
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The correct word is “to.” “To” is a preposition indicating direction or destination. The sentence “We went to the store” correctly uses “to” to show where you went. Using “too” would be.

“Too” or “to” in “I’m ___ tired”?
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The correct word is “too.” Here, “too” functions as an adverb modifying the adjective “tired,” indicating an excessive degree of tiredness. “To” would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

Yash, D. "When is it Correct to Use Too vs. To?." Grammarflex, Jul 15, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/to-vs-too/.

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