Most of us know the difference between two, to, and too, but there is some confusion about the correct punctuation with too. Oh, are we really going to talk about tutu too? (No, I’m just pulling your leg warmers!)
Two is obviously the number. No problem there.
To has two uses. First, it can be a preposition. In this case, to is in a phrase and is followed by an article (sometimes) and a noun or pronoun
Example: I went to the mall.
Second, to can be part of an infinitive. In this case, to is followed by a verb.
Example: I want to go with you.
No problem there, although sometimes I do see to used instead of too.
Too also has two uses. First, it can mean also.
Example: I want to go too!
Second, too can mean an excessive amount.
Example: I have too much candy. (Is this even possible?)
It is the first use of too that we are going to talk about in terms of punctuation. Is there a comma before too, or isn’t there?
Which is correct? I want to go, too. OR I want to go too.
There is no real hard and fast rule that makes it incorrect to write it either of those ways. However, there is no reason to put the comma before too. It is preferable to not use a comma.
What about if the too is in the middle of the sentence?
Example: I, too, would like to go.
In this case, especially if the too comes directly after the subject (which it does in the above sentence), the comma is used. Here, the too is used for emphasis, and you would put the commas around it.
A few examples:
I love peanuts, and I love peanut butter too.
We are hiking up that mountain too.
We too are hiking up that mountain. OR We, too, are hiking up that mountain (if you want to emphasize the too).
So, in conclusion — here is one case where there is no real right and wrong. However you don’t need a comma before too at the end of a sentence. If you use too and want to emphasize it, especially right after the subject, go right ahead.
Most of us remember learning to put a comma before too at the end of the sentence. However, not true.
Isn’t “hard and fast” as you’ve used it a compound adjective? Shouldn’t it be: “Hard-and-fast rule?”
I will agree with you on that one! However, it could probably go either way.
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Thanks!
Thank you Arlene, the comment section is often funny, can be helpful, and always helps to bring home your lesson.
So, great that you added that and great you comment back. DJ
Thanks! I think people who take the time to comment should receive a comment back.
This is too much tutu for two to absorb.
Thanks, Arlene!
Tou-che!
I like your articles. May I use them for my English students?
2nd question: Why do you put a comma before and in this sentence? “I love peanuts, and I love peanut butter too.”
Thank you in advance!
David
Sure you can use them! I am glad you find them useful! I put a comma in the sentence because it is compound, although it is probably short enough to go without a comma.
Thanks, Arlene. I liked reading this and learned something too.
Thanks! I love, love, love my loyal readers!
Great Arlene, you have made remembering simple. I came from the old school when you always put a coma before too at the end of a sentence. I am glad to know I don’t have to worry about “that” any longer. I have two and “tutu” down pat, but still want to confuse “to” and “too”. You explained it nicely, thank you.
I love the picture you chose to go with this subject. Sooooo cute.
Hi Sondra! Glad you liked it! What have you been up to (too??LOL)?