A high degree can make an action impossible or difficult.

The idea

Put too before an adjective and to before the base verb. Add for and a person before to when needed: too heavy for Leo to carry.

Examples

  • The soup is too hot to eat.
  • Maya is too tired to dance tonight.
  • The box is too heavy for Leo to carry.
  • It is too dark to see the path.
  • These shoes are too small for me to wear.
  • The children are too excited to sleep.

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Watch out

Do not use very in place of too when the degree prevents the action. After to, use the base verb.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. The tea is ___ hot to drink. (too / very)

    Show answer or example answer

    too

    too shows that the tea cannot be drunk at this temperature.

  2. Choose the correct option. The bag is too heavy ___ lift. (to / for)

    Show answer or example answer

    to

    to introduces the action of lifting the bag.

  3. Choose the correct option. The table is too high for Ana ___ reach. (to / for)

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    to

    to introduces what Ana cannot reach.

Use it today

Choose the word that completes each sentence.