“To” and “too” are difficult to spell correctly if you don’t know all the rules associated with them. Thankfully, this article is here to help you understand by putting them into context. “Too small” and “to smalL” will be explored here.
Is It To Small or Too Small?
“Too small” is the only form that makes grammatical sense. Make sure it’s the only one you stick to because it utilizes the adverb and adjective forms (“too” and “small,” respectively). “To small” is incorrect because “to” is a preposition that cannot modify an adjective.
“Too” and “to” might be similar, but these examples will establish the key differences:
- Correct: I think this is way too small! You’ll have to make it a lot bigger!
- Incorrect: He’s to small to cause any lasting damage! Let him say what he wants about us.
“Too” is an adverb that works well when modifying an adjective. Adverbs are capable of modifying adjectives to help create a new or emphasized meaning of the original word.
“To” is only ever a mistake or typo when someone writes it. It cannot modify the meaning of an adjective like “small.”
To Small
“To small” should not be used. “To” is a preposition, and it is not possible to use it before an adjective when you expect to change its meaning. “To” does not modify the intensity or meaning of “small,” so you should avoid using it in these cases.
- Correct: Isn’t this a bit too small for us? We’re a family of five, but we’re supposed to fit in this small of a tent?
- Incorrect: You’ve made it a bit to small. You’ll have to upgrade it slightly to make sure that it’s going to be noticeable by others.
- Correct: The processor is too small to handle what I expect of it. It’s really annoying me, and I don’t know how to fix it.
- Incorrect: Don’t you think this painting is a bit to small? I always expect it to be a little bit bigger than that! How underwhelming.
- Correct: It’s too small to be seen without a microscope! That’s why I’m always so interested in this sort of stuff.
- Incorrect: Don’t worry. Your injury is currently to small to cause any lasting effects!
Too Small
“Too small” is the only correct form you can use. “Too” is an adverb, and adverbs modify the meanings of adjectives like “small” whenever you want to emphasize the meaning. Something that is “too small” is so insignificant that you might not like it.
“Too” is the only way to spell the adverb. There is no way to use “to” interchangeably. Do not use the single “O” spelling as an adverbial form.
- It’s way too small! If you want this product to sell successfully, you’re going to need to increase its size tenfold.
- I think you’ve made it too small! Is there no way for you to make it slightly bigger? That would really help me to visualize it.
- The text is too small, and I can’t read it for the life of me! Maybe it’s time that I finally get some glasses.
- No way! That’s far too small! I was thinking about doing it on a much grander scale, so I’ll be sure to find a way to get that done without you.
- It’s too small for my liking. I suppose it’ll do for what we need it for, but I do wish you would have been able to make it bigger.
Why Do People Tend To Spell It Wrong?
“To” and “too” are commonly spelled wrong because of the way they are pronounced. They both sound identical when you say them aloud, even though they come with different meanings. It isn’t until you write them down that you might notice a difference between them.
How To Remember If The Correct Spelling Is “To Small” or “Too Small”
“Too” is a modifier that emphasizes the meaning of adjectives. It means “an excessive amount,” and luckily, it contains an excessive amount of “O’s” compared with the prepositional spelling of “to.” This is the best way to help you remember that only “too” works.
Final Thoughts
Only “too small” should be used in any situation. There are no contexts where “to small” works to modify the adjective because prepositions like “to” cannot be used to modify adjectives. Only adverbs (like “too”) are correct in this instance.
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
