To vs. Too: What’s the Difference?
Learn when to use to and too, with memorable rules, examples, a quick quiz, and answers to common questions.
To usually marks direction, destination, or an infinitive verb. Too means “also” or “more than necessary.” If you can replace the word with also or excessively, choose too with two o’s.
At 4:55 p.m., a message says, “I want too join, to.” It is readable—but the two short words have traded jobs. One indicates direction or purpose; the other adds or intensifies.
To vs. Too at a glance
| Word | Typical role | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Preposition or infinitive marker | toward a destination, recipient, limit, or verb action | Send the draft to Maya before noon. |
| too | Adverb | also, as well, or excessively | Maya reviewed the draft too. |
How to use to
Use to before a destination or recipient, and before the base form of a verb: to write, to learn, to leave.
Send the draft to Maya before noon.
How to use too
Too can add another person or thing, or show that a degree is excessive: too late, too expensive, too quickly.
Maya reviewed the draft too.
Rules that make the choice easier
Use to for movement and relationships
Travel to Boston, speak to the manager, and compare one version to another all use to.
Use to before an infinitive
When a base verb follows—such as read, summarize, or decide—the usual form is to: “We need to decide.”
Use too for also or excess
“I agree too” means “I also agree.” “The file is too large” means its size is excessive.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Incorrect: I am going too the office. Correct: I am going to the office.
- Incorrect: This paragraph is to long. Correct: This paragraph is too long.
- A comma before too at the end of a sentence is usually optional, not mandatory.
Quick practice
1. The document is ___ long to scan quickly.
Answer: too
2. We plan ___ publish tomorrow.
Answer: to
3. Jordan wants a copy ___.
Answer: too
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between to and too?
To marks direction, a relationship, or an infinitive. Too means also or excessively.
Is it too much or to much?
Too much is correct because too means an excessive amount.
Do I need a comma before too?
Usually not. A comma may add emphasis, but “I want one too” is standard without it.
How do I remember how many o’s are in too?
Too has an extra o for an extra person, thing, or amount.