Very vs Too: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Very" is used simply for grading, while "too" generally means 'more than necessary'.
Memory Tip: very = just right, too = too much
very has /vɛr.i/, too has /tuː/
very /ˈvɛri/
adverbTo a high degree; extremely.
Example:
The movie was very funny, so we all laughed a lot.
Common patterns:
Used to intensify an adjective or adverb
indicating a strong or extreme quality.
very
adjectiveThe word "very" is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of an adjective or adverb, indicating that something is at a high level or extreme.
Example:
The movie was very funny, so we all laughed a lot.
Common patterns:
very important
very interesting
very difficult
too /tuː/
adverbMore than what is needed or wanted.
Example:
The coffee is too hot to drink right now.
Common patterns:
too + adjective
too + adverb
Common Mistakes
The soup is too hot and delicious.
The soup is very hot and delicious.
Very is used because the soup being hot and delicious is a positive description, not an excessive one.
She is too excited about the concert.
She is very excited about the concert.
Very is used because being excited is not excessive or negative in this context.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. The movie was ____ funny, so we all laughed a lot.
2. The movie was ____ funny, so we all laughed a lot.
3. The coffee is ____ hot to drink right now.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse very / too again
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