Too and very, these two adverbs are also called sub-modifiers in a sentence. The key difference between the two is that the word ‘very’ doesn’t imply a negative meaning while the word ‘too’ implies a negative sense. Both these adverbs are used as intensifiers. However, very and too cannot be used interchangeably. In this article, our essay writing expert will elaborate on the meaning and uses of very and too.
Meaning and Use of “Too”
In English grammar, the word ‘too’ is an adverb that implies “to a higher degree than is desirable, possible, or permissible; excessively”. As a result, it also carries a negative connotation in this sense.
Take a look at these sentences:
- He always said that he was too thin.
(too indicates a negative implication as he feels depressed for being excessively thin)
- The temperature was too warm for the trees to grow.
(too here implies that the temperature is unsuitable for the growth of the plants)
- The cake had too much icing on it.
(‘too’ here means that the icing was in excess, so the speaker probably didn’t like the cake)
- He was too harsh on his child.
(too emphasizes that his harshness was excessive and, as a result, had negative consequences)
The main difference between too and very is that too can be used to say “in addition” or “also”
For example,
- I love watching action movies – me too. (indicates that another person also has a similar taste in movies)
- He has worked the whole weekdays and, on the weekend, too. (indicates in addition to the weekdays, he worked on the weekend as well)
Meaning and Use of “Very”
The adverb very indicates a high degree, precisely, and also emphasizes an extreme degree or point or level of something. Unlike the word too, very does not convey a negative connotation.
Consider the following examples:
- She was very happy with her birthday celebration.
(emphasizes that she enjoyed it significantly more than anticipated)
- When mixed with HCl, these chemicals have a very high acidity.
(here very indicates – a high level of acidity)
The difference between ‘too’ and ‘very’ is that very, as an adjective, can mean “exact, precise, or particular”
- Those are his very words.
Very also emphasizes an extreme point in space or time.
- Right from the very beginning….
Distinction Between ‘Too’ and ‘Very’
- Definition: ‘Too’ refers to a higher degree than is desirable or excessively, whereas ‘very’ indicates a higher degree.
- Implication: The word ‘too’ has a negative connotation, whereas ‘very’ does not.
- Usage: ‘Too’ is used as an adverb, while ‘very’ is used as both an adverb and an adjective.
Still Confused? Take a Look at the Following Examples
To put it more simply, the main distinction between “very” and “too” is in their usage, that is using the word too suggests that there is some sort of negative implication in the meaning of a sentence.
Take some examples:
On an exhausting day, you may come home and say:
I am too tired to go out for dinner. (indicating that you are extremely tired to go out and have dinner)
On a better day perhaps, you could say:
I can go out for dinner although I am very tired.
Do you like Korean food? It contains many spices. Someone who likes it might say:
I love Korean dishes; it is very spicy.
On the other hand, someone who does not like spices would say:
Korean food is too spicy.
You will find more such examples at https://eduhelphub.com/assignment-help.
Conclusion
Due to their similar nature, a lot of people get confused. However, there is a fine line between the two in terms of how they should be used. The primary distinction between “too” and “very” is that “too” has a negative connotation, whereas “very” does not.
Hopefully, this guide was helpful to you in understanding the difference in the use and purpose of ‘too’ and ‘very’. For more such helpful guides, you can check out essaywriterhelp.org.
