What is too? Pronunciation and usage in English

too means . Learn how to pronounce and use too through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of too

tooadverb

/tuː/
Definition & pronunciation of too

Okay, let's tackle the tricky pronunciation of "too"! It's a common stumbling block for English learners. Here's a breakdown:

The key is understanding it's NOT "two."

  • "Too" (with a "oo" sound) means "also," "excessively," or "very." Think of words like "music," "book," or "zoo."

  • Pronunciation: The sound is a short, unstressed "too" – like the sound in "foot" or "suit." It’s almost like a very quick, soft "tuh."

    • Phonetically: /tuː/ (The "u" is a short "uh" sound)

Here's a really helpful way to break it down:

  1. Start with the "t" sound: Say "tuh."
  2. Then add a very short, quick "oo" sound: It shouldn't be a long, drawn-out "oo" like in "moon." It’s subtle.

Examples in sentences:

  • "I want too go to the party." (meaning "also")
  • "It's too hot today." (meaning "excessively")
  • "She's too tired to play." (meaning "very")

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Saying "too" like "two": This is the most frequent error. Don’t try to force a long "o" sound.
  • Adding a drawn-out "oo": Keep it brief and subtle.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/too/ (This website has native speakers pronouncing the word)
  • Google Translate: Type "too" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.

To help me tailor the explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you new to English, or have you been learning for a while?
  • What specifically are you struggling with when pronouncing "too"?

Usage and examples with the word too in English

Let's break down how to use the word "too" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different functions! Here's a breakdown of its most common uses:

1. Meaning "Also" or "In Addition"

  • Most Common Use: This is the most frequent way "too" is used. It means “also” or “in addition.”

    • Example: "I like pizza, and she does too." (Meaning: I like pizza, and she also likes pizza.)
    • Example: “He went to the store, and I went too.” (Meaning: I also went to the store.)

2. Meaning "Excessively" or "More Than Enough"

  • Adding Intensity: "Too" can intensify an adjective or adverb, indicating something is more than desired or acceptable.

    • Example: "That's too hot!" (Meaning: That's excessively hot.)
    • Example: "He talks too much." (Meaning: He talks more than is appropriate/desired.)
    • Example: "She sings too loudly." (Meaning: She sings louder than necessary.)

3. Used to Indicate Agreement or Confirmation (Often Informal)

  • Responding to a Question/Statement: Sometimes, "too" is used as a quick way to say “yes, I agree” or "that’s right." This is more common in informal conversation.

    • Person A: "It's raining outside."
    • Person B: "It is, too!" (Meaning: Yes, I agree, it’s raining.)
    • Person A: "I love chocolate."
    • Person B: "I do, too!"

4. As a Contraction (with "to")

  • Shortened Form: "Too" is often used as a contraction of "too + to." This is very common.

    • Example: “I want to go too.” (Meaning: I want to go to.)
    • Example: “She needs to leave too.” (Meaning: She needs to leave to.)

Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't confuse "too" with "two." "Two" is a number (2). "Too" has different meanings.

  • Placement: “Too” generally goes at the end of the clause or phrase it modifies.

    • Incorrect: "He is too tall." (Sounds awkward)
    • Correct: "He is too tall."

  • Don't overuse it. While “too” is useful, relying on it excessively can make your writing sound repetitive. Sometimes, “also” or “in addition” are better choices.

Let's Practice!

Fill in the blanks with "too" or "two":

  1. I want to go to the beach __________.
  2. She ate __________ many cookies.
  3. I have __________ cats.
  4. It was __________ cold to go outside.

Answers to the practice exercise:

  1. too
  2. too
  3. two
  4. too

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of "too" in different contexts?
  • Create a quiz to test your understanding?
  • Focus on a specific usage of "too" (like its use with contractions)?

Synonyms for the word too

Idioms of the word too

be too much (for somebody)
to need more skill or strength than you have; to be more difficult, annoying, etc. than you can bear
    too right
    (British English, informal)used to say that there is no doubt about something
    • ‘We need to stick together.’ ‘Too right!’
    • ‘I'll have to do it again.’ ‘Too right you will.’

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