To - Too - Two

English Grammar Rules

The Difference between To, Too and Two is frequently confused in English, sometimes even for native speakers.

Why? Because they are homophones, words that have the same pronunciation but have a different spelling and meaning.

Sometimes To, Too and Two can all be used in the same sentence. While they all sound the same, it is in the context that you can understand the meaning.

Examples:

• It was too late to buy two bottles of water.
• Don't take too long as there are two other people who want to use the internet.

Video Explanation

Below we have included different meanings and uses for each one:

TO

Can be used as a preposition of movement or direction. It indicates the place you arrive at as a result of moving.

• I will take a taxi to the airport.
• We are going to the stadium tonight.
• The train to Montreal leaves in twenty minutes.
• What is the quickest way to the beach?

From X to Y: To refers to the end point of a time period.

• The office is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm.
• She works from 9 to 5.

Note: when we do NOT have the starting time, we use until.

• Today I think I'll only work until 5.

It identifies the person or thing affected or receiving something

• I gave a present to my friend Paulina.
• Can you give my keys to Jack?
• They were not very nice to him.

Can be used to show a change of state, condition or quality

• We waited for the traffic lights to change from red to green.
• She tore the letter to pieces.

Can be used as the first part of an infinitive (To + Verb = Infinitive). Notice when two verbs are together, the second verb is in the infinitive form (except Modal verbs and To Be)

• Next year I want to spend six months in Europe.
• He needs to study more.

TOO

Can be used before an adjective or an adverb for reinforcement to mean 'very' or 'more than...'

• This dress is too big for me. (too + adjective)
• He was driving too fast so the police gave him a fine. (too + adverb)

Can be used as an adverb to mean 'also' or 'in addition'

• She has been to Switzerland too. (= also)
• I was very tired last night and my friend was too. (= also)

Too much and Too many refer to an excessive amount of something.

Too much (+ uncountable noun)
Too many (+ plural noun)

• Sorry, I can't go. I have too much work to do.
• There were too many people in the room.
• I have eaten too much. (= too much food)

See our notes about Too vs Very vs Enough

TWO

Only used as a number. Two = 2

Examples:

• There are two cars in the car park.
• I can speak two languages, English and Spanish.

Summary Chart

Next activity

Try our interactive game about Two - Too - To

Read our notes about the difference between Too, Very and Enough

English Teacher Resources

We have the following activities for parents and ELA / ESL teachers:

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