Difference between to, too and two
TO
Can be used as a preposition of movement or direction. It indicates the place you arrive at as a result of moving.
- I will take a taxi to the airport.
- We are going to the stadium tonight.
- The train to Montreal leaves in twenty minutes.
- What is the quickest way to the beach?
From X to Y: To refers to the end point of a time period.
- The office is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm.
- She works from 9 to 5.
Note: when we do NOT have the starting time, we use until.
- Today I think I’ll only work until 5.
It identifies the person or thing affected or receiving something
- I gave a present to my friend Paulina.
- Can you give my keys to Jack?
- They were not very nice to him.
Can be used to show a change of state, condition or quality
- We waited for the traffic lights to change from red to green.
- She tore the letter to pieces.
Can be used as the first part of an infinitive (To + Verb = Infinitive). Notice when two verbs are together, the second verb is in the infinitive form (except Modal verbs and To Be)
- I need to study.
- We want to help.
- I need to pack my clothes.
- To be or not to be.
TOO
Can be used before an adjective or an adverb for reinforcement to mean ‘very‘ or ‘more than…‘
- This dress is too big for me. (too + adjective)
- You are speaking too quickly; I cannot understand. (too + adverb)
Can be used as an adverb to mean ‘also’ or ‘in addition‘
- Sell the house and furniture too. (= also)
- I was very tired last night and my friend was too. (= also)
Too much and Too many refer to an excessive amount of something.
Too much (+ uncountable noun)
Too many (+ plural noun)
- Sorry, I can’t go. I have too much work to do.
- There were too many people in the room.
- I have eaten too much. (= too much food)
TWO
Only used as a number. Two = 2
Examples:
- There are two cars in the car park.
- I have two arms and two legs.
- I can speak two languages, English and Spanish.
