Too vs To
Too and to are similar because they’re homophones (words with the same pronunciation) with similar spellings, but they have very different functions. Too is an adverb whereas to is a particle and a preposition. Too’s most common definitions are “also,” or to show something is done to an excessive degree. To as a particle is used to mark the infinitive form of verbs, to give an order or show obligation, or instead of the phrase “in order to.” As a preposition, it’s used to mark a destination, to show the object of an action, or with certain adjective phrases.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Too (adverb)
Examples:
I’ll have what she’s having, too.
Do you want to go to the concert, too?
- To show something is done to an excessive degree.
Examples:
The class was too boring last week, so the teacher changed his presentation style.
Do you think that I’m too beautiful or am I the only one?
To (particle)
- Marks infinitive forms of verbs.
Examples:
Do you know the verb “to err”?
He wanted to eat the entire tray of brownies.
- To give an order or to show an obligation.
Examples:
She is to stay in her room after the stunt she pulled last night at the party.
You are all to obey the orders of your fitness instructor during the class.
- In order to.
Examples:
I enrolled in the boot camp to get a programming job.
I studied hard to get good grades, so my parents would buy me a new PC.
To (preposition)
- Marks destinations.
Examples:
I heard from Billy that you were going to the moon.
They’d always wanted to go to Turkey, but they never had the time.
- To show the object of an action.
Examples:
She gave all my French books to him, and he doesn’t even know any French!
Did you really speak to the president on the phone or was it another prank call?
- Used in set phrases with certain adjectives.
Examples:
Don’t forget to be kind to your classmates or else.
I don’t understand how that’s related to what we’re talking about.
Main Points
- Too and to have the same pronunciation and slightly different spellings, but they have very different functions.
- Too is an adverb that can mean “also,” or it can be used to show something is done to an excessive degree.
- To is a particle that marks infinitives, for giving orders or showing obligations, or instead of the phrase “in order to.”
- To is also a preposition that marks destinations and objects of actions, and it can be used in set phrases with certain adjectives.