Too, Very and So – English Grammar Exercise

Too, very, and so are all similar words, but they are used in different ways. Let’s take a look at the differences!

Too is used with an adjective to talk about something that is problematic or excessive. It means “more than it should be”.  It always has a negative meaning, and is used with negative adjectives like “expensive” or “tired”.

Examples:

Those shoes are too expensive! (The shoes are MORE expensive than they should be)

I am too tired to go to the party tonight. (I am MORE tired than I should be)

Too can also be used with much / many.

            Examples:

            I ate too much food!

            There were too many people at the beach.

Very is also used to make an adjective stronger, but it doesn’t have a negative meaning.

            Examples:

            It was very hot yesterday.

            The exam was very difficult.

Very can also be used with nouns, unlike too and so.

            Examples:

            Tomorrow will be a very cold day.

            Maria is a very beautiful girl.

So is similar to too, and can be used with positive or negative adjectives. So is often used with “that”. Ex: The party was so fun that I stayed for hours.

            Examples:

            The park is so far from my house.

            I am so happy that you came!

            The cake was so good that I ate two pieces.