What is the difference between to, too, and two?

'To' has many uses: it is a preposition (go to school, from A to B) and the infinitive marker (want to eat, how to do it). 'Too' is an adverb meaning 'also' (I want some too) or 'excessively' (too loud, too much). 'Two' is simply the number 2 (two cats, two hours).

When should I use 'too' vs 'to'?

Use 'too' when you mean 'also' (She is coming too) or 'excessively/more than enough' (This coffee is too hot. You ate too much). In all other cases — preposition direction, infinitive verbs, phrases — use 'to'.

To vs. Too vs. Two: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

to = preposition (go to) or infinitive marker (want to eat)

too = also / excessively (me too, too loud)

two = the number 2

Explanation

1. Preposition of direction/purpose

2. Infinitive marker (to + verb)

"Go to school."

"I want to sleep."

"from 9 to 5"

TOO

1. Also / as well

2. Excessively / more than enough

"I want some too." (also)

"Too hot to drink." (excessive)

"Too much sugar."

TWO

The number 2 — always

"Two tickets please."

"Two hours later."

"one or two days"

Memory tip: Too has an extra "o" because it means extra or also. Two starts with "tw" like "twelve" and "twenty" — numbers. When in doubt and it's not a number or "extra/also", use to.

Examples

✔I'm going to the gym. (preposition)

✔She wants to become a doctor. (infinitive)

✔Can I come too? (also)

✔This bag is too heavy. (excessively)

✔I need two more minutes. (number)

✘I want to go to, but its to far.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: This soup is to hot to eat.

Correct: This soup is too hot to eat. (too = excessively)

Incorrect: I bought too books at the store.

Correct: I bought two books at the store. (two = the number 2)

Practice

Fill in the blanks:

"I need _____ more days _____ finish the project. My colleague wants _____ help _____ ."

Show answer

Answer: "I need two more days to finish... My colleague wants to help too."

Related Grammar

Use the meaning to choose the spelling

To introduces a destination or a base verb; too means also or excessively; two is the number 2. Read the whole sentence before choosing, because these words sound alike.

Practise the distinction

I want ___ read.
Show answer and explanation
to
To introduces the infinitive read.
There are ___ tickets left.
Show answer and explanation
two
The sentence gives a number.
I would like a ticket ___.
Show answer and explanation
too
Too means also here.