Lesson

Too

Too with adjectives and adverbs

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What does "Too" mean?

"Too" is an adverb used to say that something is more than necessary or than is wanted — often causing a negative result. It can modify adjectives, adverbs, and quantify nouns with "too much" / "too many". It also appears in the pattern "too + adjective/adverb + to + verb".

  • "too" + adjective/adverb → indicates excess (The coffee is too hot).
  • "too much" (uncountable) / "too many" (countable) → excessive quantity (too much time / too many emails).
  • "too ... to ..." → explains a consequence: too + adjective/adverb + to + verb (She was too busy to attend).

Table

Reference: Forms and examples

Structure Meaning Example
too + adjective/adverb More than desirable/acceptable The coffee is too hot to drink.
too much + uncountable noun Excess quantity (uncountable) There is too much noise in the office.
too many + countable noun (plural) Excess quantity (countable) We have too many attendees for that room.
too + adjective/adverb + to + verb Shows a consequence: cannot do something because of excess She was too busy to join the call.
not too + adjective/adverb Moderate degree (mild negative) The schedule is not too tight.

Tip

Key rule: Where to put "too"

Placement depends on what "too" modifies:

  • Before an adjective or adverb: The project is too expensive.
  • Before "much" / "many": too much time, too many files.
  • Use "too + adjective/adverb + to + verb" to show a negative consequence: He was too tired to continue.

Remember: "too" expresses excess that often prevents something.

Example

Examples in context

The coffee is too hot to drink.

We have too many attendees for the small meeting room.

He spoke too quickly for the trainees to take notes.

There's too much noise in the office today.

Tip

Common mistakes learners make

Watch for these typical errors:

  • Using "too" the same way as "very" — "too" usually implies a problem or limit.
  • Placing "too" after the verb (incorrect: "She sings too well" is OK as adverb but not for adjective: "She is smart too" can be ambiguous).
  • Confusing "too much" and "too many": use "too much" with uncountable nouns, "too many" with countable nouns.
  • Using "too" + noun directly (wrong): say "too much noise", not "too noise".
  • Omitting "to + verb" after "too + adjective" when needed (wrong: "He was too tired attend").

Tip: When in doubt, check whether the noun is countable and whether the sentence shows a negative consequence.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check the necessary verb and the correct position of 'too' before the adjective.

Quiz

Complete: The file is _____ to attach to the email.

Hint: What word describes something that exceeds the acceptable limit?

Quiz

Which sentence uses "too" correctly?

Hint: Look for the correct adverb form after 'too' and a natural consequence structure.

Key Points

Vocabulary

too

adverb CEFR A2 //tuː//

to a higher degree than is desirable, necessary, or acceptable

The product is too expensive for our budget.

Expression

too much

phr (adverb + quantifier) CEFR B1 //tuː mʌtʃ//

an excessive amount (used with uncountable nouns)

There is too much traffic during rush hour.

Expression

too many

phr (adverb + quantifier) CEFR B1 //tuː ˈmeni//

an excessive number (used with countable plural nouns)

We received too many applications for the role.

GrammarPoint

too ... to ...

grammar_point CEFR B1 //tuː ... tuː ...//

structure meaning 'so ... that someone cannot ...' (too + adjective/adverb + to + verb)

She was too busy to answer emails.

Vocabulary

enough

adverb / determiner CEFR B1 //ɪˈnʌf//

to the required degree or amount; used for contrast with 'too'

We do not have enough staff for the project.