Really vs. Too

Attribute	Really	Too
Intensity	Very	Excessive
Usage	Emphasizes	Indicates excess
Positive/Negative	Can be positive or negative	Often negative
Informal/Formal	Informal	Informal

Definition

Really and too are both adverbs that are used to modify or intensify the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb. However, they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings.

Usage

Really is used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement. It is often used to express a high degree of certainty or to confirm something. For example, "I really enjoyed the movie" or "She really loves chocolate." On the other hand, too is used to indicate an excessive or undesirable amount of something. It is often used to show that something is more than what is needed or wanted. For example, "The soup is too hot" or "He is driving too fast."

Intensity

One key difference between really and too is the level of intensity they convey. Really is often used to express a strong or positive feeling, while too is used to express a negative or excessive feeling. For example, "I really appreciate your help" conveys a sense of gratitude and sincerity, while "The music is too loud" conveys a sense of annoyance or discomfort.

Positive vs. Negative

Another difference between really and too is the connotation they carry. Really is generally used in positive contexts to express approval, satisfaction, or agreement. On the other hand, too is often used in negative contexts to express disapproval, dissatisfaction, or excess. For example, "I really like your new haircut" is a positive statement, while "The dress is too expensive" is a negative statement.

Degree of Modification

Really is often used to provide a moderate level of modification to a statement. It can be used to add emphasis without necessarily indicating an extreme or excessive amount. Too, on the other hand, is used to indicate a higher degree of modification. It suggests that something is beyond a desirable or acceptable level. For example, "I really need a vacation" suggests a moderate level of need, while "I am too tired to go out" suggests an extreme level of fatigue.

Common Usage

Both really and too are commonly used in everyday language to add emphasis to statements. However, they are used in different contexts and convey different meanings. Really is often used to express approval, agreement, or satisfaction, while too is used to express disapproval, excess, or negativity. Understanding the subtle differences between these two adverbs can help improve communication and clarity in writing and speaking.