Question 1

When do I use "too much" and "too many"?

Accepted Answer

Use "too much" with uncountable nouns — things you cannot count individually: "too much sugar," "too much homework," "too much rain." Use "too many" with countable nouns — things you can count: "too many cars," "too many errors," "too many questions." A simple test: if you can put a number before the noun ("three cars"), use "too many." If you cannot ("three rain" is incorrect), use "too much." "Too much" also works with verbs: "You talk too much" (excessive amount of talking). This countable versus uncountable distinction is essential for B1-B2 level examinations.

Question 2

How do I use "too" and "enough" with infinitives?

Accepted Answer

Both "too" and "enough" connect to infinitives (to + verb) to explain a result. With "too," the pattern is: too + adjective + to + verb: "He is too young to drive" (his age prevents driving). With "enough," the pattern is: adjective + enough + to + verb: "She is old enough to vote" (she has sufficient age). You can add "for + person" to say who is affected: "The film was too scary for the children to watch." Notice that "too" always gives a negative result (something cannot happen), while "enough" gives a positive one (something can happen). In negative sentences with "not enough," the result is also negative: "It isn't warm enough to swim."

Question 3

What is the difference between "too much" and "not enough"?

Accepted Answer

"Too much" means there is more than needed: "There is too much salt in the soup" (the amount is excessive). "Not enough" means there is less than needed: "There isn't enough salt in the soup" (the amount is insufficient). They are opposite ways of describing the same problem — an incorrect quantity. You can often rewrite sentences using either form: "I have too much work" can become "I don't have enough free time." This type of sentence transformation is common in Cambridge B1 and B2 exams. Remember that "too much" pairs with uncountable nouns, and "too many" pairs with countable nouns, while "not enough" works with both types.

Too vs Enough Intermediate Exercises

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