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John Millen

The three little words - 'to', 'two' and 'too' - can cause  problems because they sound the same. Even native English speakers  sometimes get them confused. A sign on a shop window in England read: 'Are You Paying To Much For Your Mobile Phone Air Time? Come In And Talk To Us To Find Out.'

The first 'To' should have been spelt 'Too', but why? If you read the sign out aloud, it all sounds okay. But the person writing the sign had made a mistake.  If he had followed the three English Clinic rules, he would not have made such a fool of himself.

All you need to do is remember the meanings of  'two', 'to' and 'too' and you will not make any mistakes.

1. 'Two' is the number between one and three.

Example: I have two brothers. How many have you?

2. 'To' is a preposition showing direction. It is also used before a verb to make an infinitive.

Examples: I am going to Japan next week.

I need to work harder in my new job.

3. 'Too' is an adverb meaning 'more than is good or necessary'.

Examples: I am too tired to go out tonight.

There is too much salt in this sauce.

Now that you understand these three  meanings, you can correct the spellings in these sentences.

The spelling of 'to', 'two' or 'too' is wrong in each sentence.

1. You are making two much noise. Please be quiet.

2. I found it to difficult too understand the maths we did this morning.

3. We are going too Sai Kung to see my grandparents this weekend.

4. I have to thousand dollars in my bank. That's all.

5. Have you ever been too Korea?

6. She went too the bathroom, locked the door and began crying.

7. It is to early in the morning to go into town.

8. You have broken too pairs of sun glasses this year. Please be more careful.

9. There was to much sugar in that sauce.

10. What do you want too do on Saturday morning?

Now you are on your own. Put the correct word - 'to', 'too' or 'two' - in each of these sentences.

11. The sea was _____ dirty so we did not go swimming once during the entire holiday.

12. I would really love _____ go _____ Sydney when I have enough money. It's a city I've always wanted _____ visit.

13. The _____ of them were making _____ much noise, so I told them _____ go _____ their room and keep quiet.

14. When will you learn _____ stop telling lies? I don't believe a word you say these days.

15. It was much _____ hot _____ sunbathe. We stayed in the hotel _____ relax most of the time.

16. We went to Japan in _____ thousand and _____ and we are going back next year.

17. Andy is _____ young _____ drive a car.

18. Are you going _____ the cinema this weekend or are you not going _____ bother?

Answers

1. too much; 2. too difficult to understand; 3. to Sai Kung; 4. two thousand; 5. to Korea; 6. to the bathroom; 7. too early; 8. two pairs; 9. too much; 10. to do; 11. too; 12. to, to, to; 13. two, too, to, to; 14. to; 15. too, to, to; 16. two, two; 17. too, to; 18. to, to



It's all too confusing