Distinguish very and too in English

Distinguish very and too in English

Some students think that the two adverbs “very” and “too” are the same, but you know, they have different meanings and usages. In English structure, both “very” and “too” are adverbs.

They function to modify adjectives and verbs. However, the biggest difference is that “very” does not have a negative connotation when describing the extent while “too” does. Come on, let's analyze in more depth!

1. Definition of Very and Too

 We use it “very” to give more emphasis to an adjective or adverb, higher or stronger.

 However, we use it “too” means more than is necessary or desirable, more than is appropriate or sufficient.

2. Comparison between Very and Too

Distinguish very and too in English

 

Grammatically, both adverbs express the same meaning, so we will compare them using their function in the sentence. Check these sentences and find out the grammatical difference between these two words.

 

• The training was “very” tough.

• The training was “too” tough.

 

If you say training course “very” tough, meanit is challenging but you are still capable of overcoming it. However if you say training course “too” tough, mean You are insurmountable anxiety.

 

• The dress is “very” pricey.

• The dress is “too” pricey

 

If that dress“very” expensive, mean That dress is expensive but you still buy it if you have enough money. However, if that dress“too” expensivemeanyou have to spend a lot of money to buy and it is not practical to buy.

 

• The accident I saw on the road was “very” frightening.

• The accident I saw on the road was “too” frightening.


In general, accidents are very scary for us, but there is still a difference in the two sentences above. When speaking “very frightening”, then that meansit's scary or scarybut when we say “too” frightening, does that mean that causes you obsessions and nightmares.

3. Conclusion

In short, both words have the meaning of emphasizing how much, too, very... but they are used in different cases. We use it “very” to express something that is simply large in quantity. But we use it “too” is used to express the negative connotation of having too much.