Difference Between So And Too

Learn the difference between so and too in this very short English lesson. Understand how to use so and too in sentences and improve your fluency in English.

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Hi. Could you please explain the difference between SO and TOO? Thank you

How to use so and too

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Harry

Harry is a native English teacher with over 10 years of experience both online and in face-to-face lessons. With his extensive experience in business, he specialises in Business English lessons but happily teaches ESL students with any English learning needs. 

Difference between so and too

Hi, this is Harry and welcome back to my English lessons where I try to give you a better understanding of English. 

Somebody has asked me to give an explanation as to the difference between so and too. 

I’m putting the emphasis on T-O-O, not TO, the preposition TO but T-O-O.

So what are the differences between them?

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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

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How to use so

We use SO in the same way as we use VERY, but it means a little stronger.

Oh, you drive so fast!

There’s a bit of excitement about it.

How to use too

If I use TOO, there’s a negative connotation.

Oh, you drive too fast. It’s dangerous, and I don’t like it. 

So you might be breaking the speed limit or breaking the law. 

You drive so fast – positive ➕

You drive too fast – negative ➖

Difference between so and too

What is the difference between so and too? Advanced English learning. Online English lessons on Zoom. Study advanced English at www.englishlessonviaskype.com

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Difference between so and too

How to use so

Another example, if you’re walking in the park with your friend, and you see a 20 euro note on the ground and the man walking in front of you, you pick up the 20 euro note and you hand it to the man say, 

‘Oh, I think you dropped this.’ 

He says, 

‘Oh, you’re so honest,’ 

so that is positive. 

How to use too

Another day you’re walking in the park. You see that 20 euro note lying on the ground, there’s nobody around you. You pick it up, and you take it to the police station, and you hand it to the police. 

And your friend says later,

‘Oh, enough, you’re too honest. There was nobody near you. I would have just put it in my pocket.’

So honest – positive ➕

Too honest – negative connotation ➖

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More information

For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:

Difference between Ordinary, Normal and Usual

Useful vocabulary for CYCLING

You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC.

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