Too vs Enough

These two words answer the same question — is the degree or amount right? — from opposite sides. Too means more than you want or need, so it usually signals a problem. Enough means as much as you need. The meaning is simple; the part learners get wrong is where the word goes.

Too = more than you want

Too goes before the adjective or adverb, and it carries a negative feeling — something is a problem.

Enough = as much as you need

Position is the key: after an adjective or adverb, but before a noun.

Too much / too many

Before a noun, too needs much (uncountable) or many (countable).

too … to / enough … to

Both combine with to + verb to say whether something is possible. You can add for someone before the to.

Note the flip in meaning: too cold to swim means you can't swim; warm enough to swim means you can.

Common mistakes

Putting enough before the adjective. With adjectives, enough follows.

"too much" before an adjective. Before an adjective, too stands alone.

Too much is fine before an uncountable noun (too much sugar) or after a verb (You worry too much) — it's only before an adjective that it doesn't belong.

much / many mix-up. Countable nouns take too many.

Quick exercise

Fill in too, too much, too many or enough.

1. This bag is ___ heavy for me.
2. He isn't old ___ to drive.
3. There are ___ people here — I can't move.
4. I don't have ___ time to finish it.
5. It's ___ expensive, so I didn't buy it.
6. There's ___ noise in this café — I can't hear you.