Using Infinitives With Too and Enough

We use Infinitives with too and enough. Let’s read the rule to see the difference.

Exam in Mind Level B1/B2

Compare:

That box is too heavy for Bob to lift it. – In the speaker’s mind, the use of too implies a negative result.  Too heavy = It is impossible for Bob to lift that box.

That box is very heavy, but Bob can lift it. Very heavy = It is possible but difficult for Bob to lift that box.

I am strong enough to lift that box. I can lift it. Enough follows an adjective.

I have enough strength to lift that box. Usually enough precedes a noun.

I have strength enough to lift that box. In formal English, it may follow a noun.

too + adjective + to-Infinitive

adjective/adverb + enough + to-Infinitive

Think of a negative result, and then complete the sentence with an infinitive phrase.

Example: That ring is too expensive. → Negative result: I can’t buy it. – That ring is too expensive for me to buy it. I’m too tired. → Negative result: I can’t go to the meeting. I’m too tired to go to the meeting.

  1. It’s too late. → Negative result: _________________________________________________________________
  2. It’s too cold. → Negative result: _________________________________________________________________
  3. Nuclear physics is too difficult. → Negative result: ____________________________________________________
  4. I’m too busy. → Negative result: ________________________________________________________________
  5. The mountain cliff is too steep. → Negative result:____________________________________________________

Now think of a positive result, and complete the sentence with an infinitive phrase.

Example: That ring is very expensive, but it isn’t too expensive. → Positive result: I can buy it. – That ring isn’t too expensive for me to buy it.

  1. I’m very tired, but I’m not too tired. → Positive result: _______________________________
  2. My suitcase is very heavy, but it’s not too heavy. →Positive result:______________________
  3. I’m very busy, but I’m not too busy. →Positive result: _______________________________

Discuss the questions using Infinitives with too and enough.

  1. Mary’s daughter is 18 months old. Is she too young or very young?
  2. Is it very difficult or too difficult to learn English?
  3. After you wash your clothes, are they too clean or very clean?
  4. What is your pocket big enough to hold? What is it too small to hold?
  5. Compare a mouse and an elephant. Is a mouse too small or very small?
  6. What did you have enough time to do before class today?
  7. What’s the difference between the following situations?
    • We don’t have enough big envelopes.
    • We don’t have big enough envelopes.
  8. If you apologize for something, do you say you’re very sorry or too sorry?
  9. What is the sun too bright for you to do?
  10. What can’t you do if a room is too dark?
  11. In what circumstances would you say your cup of tea or coffee is too full?