Two vs Too – What’s the difference?

Even indigenous speakers make mistakes with ‘two’ and ‘too. ‘ Even though their spellings differ, they are frequently confused. That is because they have the same sound yet mean different things. As a result, they are distinct elements of speech that are often misunderstood.

Two vs Too

The main difference between two and too is that two is a numerical figure following one. On the other hand, too is an adverb that means in addition or beside. Both the two and too are similar in pronunciation but have different meanings and significance. Often a comma is used before too in a sentence to indicate a pause.

The pronunciation of two is the same as ‘too,’ but it has a simple meaning. It is only a number. Numerically, it is 2. You will use two when writing out complex numbers. Twenty-two, two hundred and six, one thousand two hundred and twelve, for example. These are 22, 206, and 1212 in standard form.

We employ the adverb too in a variety of contexts. The word ‘too’ can be used in place of the word also. You can also use this after a phrase, such as I am a Gemini, too. Too is an adverb that can signify ‘also’, ‘much’, or ‘very’. More related words to ‘too’ are further, awfully, ever, highly, immensely, very, besides, likewise, along.

Comparison Table Between Two and Too

What is Two?

Two comes between the number one and three. A two is the spelling of the number 2. For example, I have three new dresses.
Two as an adjective means being one more than one in number.
For example, Two of these apples are stale.

As a pronoun, it means a small approximate number of indicated things.
For example, police fired only one or two shots.
As a noun, it means the second in a set or series.
For example, two of my friends are not coming.

Phrases containing two are
a thing or two, care two hoots, fall between two stools, in two minds,
give two hoots, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,
kill two birds with one stone, of two minds

When used as an adjective, it can have the following synonyms such as binary, diploid, bisected, dual, dichotomous, bicameral.

There is no significant antonym for two when used as a number. However, with the noun, it can have antonyms such as each, either, every, neither, no one, none, not any.

The first known use of two as an adjective and a pronoun was before the 12th century. As a noun, its use was in the 13th century.

What is Too?

Too is an adverb and has different meanings, such as:
in addition; also; furthermore; moreover.
Example: You are too young for the war.
beyond what is desirable, to an excessive extent or degree; appropriate, fitting, or :
Example: You are too sick to travel
more than should be, as stated:
For instance, you were too close to the danger.
(instead of a negative phrase, it is utilized as an affirmative):
For example, I am too big for that dress.
In addition to; extremely:
For example, the client was not too pleased with his behaviour.

Idioms with the word ‘too’ are 

too much of a good thing, too close for comfort,

too good to be true, too big for britches,

too little, too late, too many cooks spoil the broth, 

too close to call, too bad.

For example, I like pineapples, too. When ‘also’ can be substituted for ‘too’, you are using the appropriate word.

For example, I also like pineapples.

Another meaning of ‘too’ is ‘excessive’ or ‘too many. ‘ Such as: 

I am too exhausted now- as in ‘I am very exhausted,’ or

  ‘ I ate too many burgers, and my tummy hurts.‘

Main Difference Between Two and Too

• The word form of the number 2 is two. In English grammar, ‘too’ is an element of speech.
• Two can be used as an adjective or a noun to describe a pair of items. Too is an adverb that implies ‘very much so’ or ‘also much so’.
• Two can be either a positive or negative number. Too can have both a negative and a positive connotation.
• There is no significant antonym for two when used as a number. As an antonym of ‘too,’ you can use nevertheless, despite, notwithstanding, but, or still.
• Before 900, there is evidence that two came from middle and old school English twa (feminine and neuter). There is no doubt that the word ‘too’ originated from the old and middle English word ‘to’. The current spelling has been in writing since the 16th century.

Conclusion

‘Too’ means more than needed or desirable. When used before an adjective or adverb, it means- ‘more than is needed’, ‘more than desirable or more than is wanted.’
Example,
This shirt is too big for me.
Slow down! You are driving too fast.
It is too cold to go swimming today.

Similarly, we use it to express the value of something. I am too full to eat dessert or am passing out.
You may also use it after a noun or pronoun:
She, too, is capable of singing. In the same way, too can mean a lot, as I am just too sad!
Both these words can be used in the same sentence in the following ways:
I was too tired to finish two essays.
I have two sisters too!

Another word often confused with these words is ‘to’. To is a part of a verb infinitive and comes before the verb.
Examples:
I need to have a nap.
I want to go to the town.
I love to shop.

References

• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10640-007-9146-z
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1023002608785

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