"I too" or "I, too" - Comma Rules Explained (With Examples)

Grammar rules in English can be tricky, especially when they seem so inconsistent. Comma rules are a great example of this. We want to explore the differences between “I too” and “I, too” to help you understand how the comma should (or shouldn’t) work.

Is It “I Too” Or “I, Too”?

We use “I too” when “too” is treated as an adjunct. In this way, it emphasizes the connection of “too” with the words around it. “I, too” with a comma works as a disjunct. This is used when “too” emphasizes the sentence as a whole.

The differences mainly come down to conceptual choices. These two sentences mean the same thing:

I too have been to see the doctor.
I, too, have been to see the doctor.

Including the commas is the most formal (and correct) way to write a sentence. However, they are unnecessary when we are writing in a more informal or passive style.

Is It Incorrect To Use “I, Too”?

“I, too” is not incorrect. Instead, it’s the best choice if you want to stick to common and standard English rules. We use the comma to allow “too” to be part of its own clause. This turns it into an emphasizer which allows us to modify the whole sentence.

Of course, if we didn’t include a second comma after “too,” then it would be incorrect. For example:

I, too would like to see that show.

This is incorrect because we need a second comma after “too.” We must remember to encase it in commas to be grammatically sound:

I, too, would like to see that show.

When Should I Use “I, Too”?

“I, too” makes the most sense when you want to be grammatically correct. It works best when you’re writing in a formal manner, as it stays true to the rules about adverbs in the middle of sentences like this.

If an adverb like “too” comes directly after a pronoun, it should always have a comma to separate it from the sentence. This allows us to use it as a disjunct, which means the whole sentence is modified or emphasized by “too.”

I, too, have a lot to offer. I hope you’ll be willing to hear me out with it.
I, too, need your help. If you just hear me out for a little while, I won’t take much of your time.
I, too, have a lot to be grateful for. I wish I could lay it all on the table for the world to see.
I, too, thought you knew better than that. Clearly, I was just as mistaken as the rest of them.
I, too, would have loved to watch that movie with you. Maybe you can invite me next time!

When Should I Use “I Too”?

“I too” isn’t formally correct. However, it is very common for native speakers to use it because comma rules are often overlooked. The comma doesn’t always add much to the meaning of the sentence it’s in, and it feels more streamlined to leave it out.

While it’s not grammatically correct to avoid commas from “I too,” it still works. Native speakers will drop commas when writing informally (like in text messages) because they do not add anything to the meaning.

A lot of native speakers believe that commas before and after “too” are too jarring to make it sound pleasant. If you deliberately pause before and after “too,” it sounds like you’re trying too hard to be grammatically correct (which many native speakers frown upon in spoken English).

I too have seen the movie a few times.
I too thought long and hard about it. I still haven’t made up my mind.
I too need to know what’s going on. I don’t want to be left out in the cold with this one.
I too have a bone to pick with him. Do you think you’d be able to get him to come in today?
I too would like to take some more time off work. Shall we decide on a time together?

Is It Always Correct To Use “I Too” Without A Comma?

“I too” is correct without a comma, and it can replace “I, too.” “Too” is an adjunct when you use it without commas, meaning it only affects the two words on either side of it. We do not need to include the commas, as they do not provide more meaning.

It’s possible to replace “I, too” with “I too” in most written cases.

You can see that happen with the following:

I, too, will want to speak with you further.
I too will want to speak with you further.

Both of these sentences come with the same meaning. Removing the commas still works. It just means that “too” emphasizes “I” and “will” as the two words surrounding it in the sentence structure.

Is “I Too Am” Grammatically Correct?

“I too am” is grammatically correct when using “too” as an adjunct with no commas. “Am” is a verb form like any other, so it makes sense that we will place “too” (an adverb) between the pronoun and verb no matter what the verb is.

The following examples will show you how it works:

I too am looking forward to spending the evening at the hotel.
I too am in need of more clothing. Shall we go shopping for some?

It’s also worth noting that the more formal phrase of “I, too” works here. Including commas on either side of “too” allows us to emphasize the whole sentence.

I, too, am in dire need of assistance. I hope they can come along quickly.
I, too, am afraid of what’s to transpire. I hope it’s not too serious.

Quiz: Have You Mastered The Comma Rules For “I Too”?

Before answering this quiz, we suggest you pay close attention to the comma placement AFTER the parentheses containing the answers. This will be the biggest hint as to which form is correct.

(A. I, too / B. I too), would like to know the answer.
(A. I, too / B. I too) have seen the movie. I thought it was great.
(A. I, too / B. I too), am going to have to work for this.
(A. I, too / B. I too), want what’s best for my family. Is that so much to ask?
(A. I, too / B. I too) find it difficult to connect with him.

“I too” or “I, too” – Comma Rules Explained (With Examples)