'To' is the preposition of direction or the infinitive marker; 'too' means also or excessively.
Preposition. Indicates direction, destination, or introduces the infinitive form of a verb ('to go', 'to learn'). Also used for times ('quarter to three').
She walked to the office every morning that summer.
We need to finish the presentation before noon.
The flight from Madrid to New York takes nine hours.
Adverb. Means 'also' (I want to come too) or 'excessively' (it is too expensive). Always describes degree or addition.
The contract is too long and complex to sign without a lawyer.
I want to attend the conference too — can you add me?
The report arrived too late to make a difference.
Common mistake
"I want to come to" at the end of a sentence (correct: too). "It is to cold" (correct: too cold — excessively cold). These are among the most common typos in English.
Trick to remember it
'Too' has an extra O — that extra letter signals excess or addition. Too much (excess), me too (addition). When you mean direction or the infinitive, one O is enough.
Quick rule
Does it mean 'also' or 'excessively'? 'Too'. Is it the direction preposition or the infinitive marker? 'To'.
Did you know?
'To', 'too', and 'two' are the most common homophone triplet in English — three words with identical pronunciation but completely different meanings. Scribes in the 16th century began doubling the O in 'too' to distinguish it from 'to' in handwritten documents. Before that, context was the only guide, which caused significant confusion in old legal documents.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The price is _____ high for our current budget.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
We need _____ book the venue at least three months in advance.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Does it mean 'also' or 'excessively'? 'Too'. Is it the direction preposition or the infinitive marker? 'To'.
"I want to come to" at the end of a sentence (correct: too). "It is to cold" (correct: too cold — excessively cold). These are among the most common typos in English.
'Too' has an extra O — that extra letter signals excess or addition. Too much (excess), me too (addition). When you mean direction or the infinitive, one O is enough.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy