Too

Definition

'Too' is an adverb used to indicate an excessive degree or amount, often implying that something is beyond what is considered reasonable or acceptable. It can modify adjectives or adverbs, highlighting that a particular quality is present in excess. This term plays a crucial role in expressing limits and boundaries in communication, making it an essential element of English grammar and usage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Too' can be used with positive, comparative, and superlative adjectives and adverbs, such as 'too hot', 'too quickly', or 'too good'.
2. 'Too' can also imply a negative consequence, as in 'It's too late to start now', indicating that the situation has passed an acceptable point.
3. 'Too' is often used in informal contexts to express opinions, emotions, and social situations where moderation is expected.
4. In negative constructions, 'too' can be replaced with 'not enough' to convey a similar sentiment, though the emphasis shifts from excess to insufficiency.
5. 'Too' can also be used in rhetorical questions for emphasis, as in 'Are you too tired to continue?', highlighting the speaker's concern about the listener's limits.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'too' differ when modifying adjectives versus modifying adverbs?
  • 'Too' functions similarly whether it modifies adjectives or adverbs, indicating excess. When modifying adjectives, it highlights that something surpasses a desirable quality, like 'too expensive'. When modifying adverbs, it suggests that an action occurs at an excessive rate or degree, such as 'too quickly'. This distinction is important for conveying appropriate meaning based on context.
• Discuss how the term 'too' can change the meaning of a sentence and provide an example illustrating this change.
  • 'Too' alters the tone and meaning of a sentence by introducing a sense of excess. For instance, the statement 'The soup is hot' simply describes temperature. However, saying 'The soup is too hot' conveys concern that it exceeds a safe temperature for consumption. This shift demonstrates how the use of 'too' can indicate a problem rather than just a description.
• Evaluate the implications of using 'too' in both spoken and written English regarding clarity and emotional impact.
  • 'Too' has significant implications for both clarity and emotional impact in communication. In spoken English, its usage can convey urgency or concern, enhancing the emotional tone of a conversation. In written English, it demands careful placement to ensure the intended meaning is clear. Misuse of 'too' can lead to misunderstandings; for instance, saying 'It's too good to be true' suggests skepticism while simply stating 'It's good' conveys positivity. Thus, understanding its effect on language helps improve both speaking and writing skills.

Related terms

very: 'Very' is an adverb that intensifies the degree of an adjective or adverb but does not carry the connotation of excess, unlike 'too'.

enough: 'Enough' is an adverb or adjective that indicates sufficiency, often used in contrast to 'too' to denote a limit that has been met or exceeded.

excessively: 'Excessively' is an adverb that describes actions or qualities that go beyond what is normal or reasonable, similar to 'too' but often used in more formal contexts.