To vs Too vs Two: Which One Do You Need?
Two is the number. Too means also or excessively. To is everything else.
Two of us went to the shop, and it was too far.
The test that settles it
Deal with the number first — if you mean 2, it is two. Then try also or excessively; if either fits, it is too. Otherwise to.
“It is ___ cold” → excessively cold, so too.
“I want ___ go” → neither number nor also, so to.
Too has an extra o, and it means there is extra of something.
Two: the number
The digit 2, and never anything else. It is the easiest of the three to place.
We booked two rooms.
It closes at two o’clock.
Only two replied.
Could you write the numeral 2? Then two.
Too: also, or excessively
It either adds something to what came before, or says there is more of something than there should be.
She is coming too.
The soup is too salty.
That is too much to ask.
Swap in also or excessively. If either reads, too.
To: preposition or infinitive marker
It points towards something, or introduces a verb. This is by far the most common of the three, and the default when neither of the others fits.
Send it to the office.
I need to leave.
From nine to five.
If a verb follows, or a destination, it is to.
Side by side
| To | Too | Two |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Also / excessively | Direction or verb |
| Countable | Adverb | Preposition |
| Write it as 2 | Swaps with also | The default |
| Two tickets | Me too | Go to town |
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| It is to expensive. | It is too expensive. | Excessively expensive. |
| I am going aswell, me to. | I am going as well, me too. | Also. |
| We need too talk. | We need to talk. | A verb follows, so to. |
| She has to cats. | She has two cats. | The number. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- This is ___ good to be true.
- Give the file ___ Sara.
- There are ___ options left.
- I would like to come ___.
- It is time ___ decide.
Show the answers
1. too 2. to 3. two 4. too 5. to
Frequently asked
Comma before too at the end of a sentence?
Optional. I want one too and I want one, too are both accepted; the comma adds a small pause.
Why is to the safe default?
Because it does far more jobs than the other two. If you have ruled out the number and also, it is almost certainly to.
More words people confuse
