CS Sealey

New Zealand-based sub-editor, writer and author

The difference between to, two and too

TLDR: To is a preposition, too means ‘as well’ and two is more than one.

If I did an example of every single usage of the word to, we’d be here all day, so I’ll select the most commonly used ones.

to (preposition)—used in the expressing of direction; reaching a certain condition; demonstrating that two things are connected; expressing the relationship of two things

Sally walked down to the shops.

Reginald’s smile quickly changed to a frown.

She pulled but her foot was stuck firmly to the ground.

Uncle Harry is married to a woman called Sheryl.

two (cardinal number)—the sum of one and one; one less than three; 2

The train only had two carriages.

It’s two o’clock on the rocket clock!

The children walked along the street in twos.

He gave a great swipe and cut the watermelon clean in two.

too (adverb)—as well, also, in addition to; to a higher amount or degree than expected or desirable

‘Oh, are you coming on the excursion too?’ Jane asked.

When he reached the car, he realised that he, too, had forgotten his briefcase.

‘This is simply too much to handle!’ the teacher moaned.

Accidents are all too common along this stretch of road.

All together now!

On the road to London, two cars drove much too fast.

At a quarter past two, it was still too hot to go for a walk.

The price of fuel was too high, so I drove to the next town and got two cents off at the local petrol station.

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