“Too” & “Very”

I took this question and answer from this website that I recommend:
ELI Grammar Hotline Adverbs and Adjectives
(click on it to view site)

Q. (from Abdulrhman) When should I use "very" and "too" and how can I know which one is correct in a sentence?

A. Too and very are both adverbs that modify adjectives and other adverbs.
Very has the meaning of “to a great degree.”


In Japan I lived in a very small apartment. (The apartment was small “to a great degree.”)
He plays the piano very well.
When I went to Las Vegas last August, the weather was very hot.

Very can also be used with superlatives to make them feel stronger.

The very first foreign country I ever visited was Iceland.
This is my very last warning. I won’t tell you again!

Too has the meaning of “more than enough” or “more than good.”
Slow down! You’re driving too fast!” (i.e. the speed is more than enough; it’s dangerous)
This shirt is too small for me. The sleeves are too short. (i.e, it is not possible for me to wear this small shirt.)

Another meaning of too is “also.”
I have a desktop computer and a notebook computer too.

Note that too (in the meaning of “more than enough”) and very can not be used to modify verbs directly.
*You are very driving. (incorrect usage)
*He too speaks. (incorrect usage)
Check the Revision links for an online test using too and very.