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.
- It’s too late. → Negative result: _________________________________________________________________
- It’s too cold. → Negative result: _________________________________________________________________
- Nuclear physics is too difficult. → Negative result: ____________________________________________________
- I’m too busy. → Negative result: ________________________________________________________________
- 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.
- I’m very tired, but I’m not too tired. → Positive result: _______________________________
- My suitcase is very heavy, but it’s not too heavy. →Positive result:______________________
- I’m very busy, but I’m not too busy. →Positive result: _______________________________
Discuss the questions using Infinitives with too and enough.
- Mary’s daughter is 18 months old. Is she too young or very young?
- Is it very difficult or too difficult to learn English?
- After you wash your clothes, are they too clean or very clean?
- What is your pocket big enough to hold? What is it too small to hold?
- Compare a mouse and an elephant. Is a mouse too small or very small?
- What did you have enough time to do before class today?
- What’s the difference between the following situations?
- We don’t have enough big envelopes.
- We don’t have big enough envelopes.
- If you apologize for something, do you say you’re very sorry or too sorry?
- What is the sun too bright for you to do?
- What can’t you do if a room is too dark?
- In what circumstances would you say your cup of tea or coffee is too full?
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