Have you ever typed a message like, “I want to too fast” or wondered if you should write “I plan to fast”? These small words—to and too—can completely change your sentence.
Mistakes here don’t just look sloppy; they can confuse your readers or make your writing unclear.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about “to fast” vs “too fast”, including grammar rules, real-world examples, common mistakes, and tips to remember the difference for good.
Understanding the Basics: “To” vs “Too”
Before we dive into fast or too fast, let’s break down the building blocks.
What Does “To” Mean?
“To” is a versatile word in English. Most commonly, it is:
- A preposition indicating direction:
- “I went to the store.”
- Part of an infinitive verb, which is the basic form of a verb:
- “I want to eat.”
- “She plans to travel next week.”
Key Tip: If you can replace it with toward, it’s likely acting as a preposition.
What Does “Too” Mean?
“Too” has two main functions:
- To show excess:
- “It’s too hot to go outside.”
- To show addition:
- “I want to join too.”
Mnemonic: Think of the extra o in too as “extra” or “more than needed.”
What “Fast” Means in Grammar
The word fast can be tricky because it’s both an adjective and an adverb, and sometimes a verb.
- As an adjective: describes a noun
- “He is a fast runner.”
- As an adverb: describes how something happens
- “She runs fast.”
- As a verb: means to abstain from food
- “I fast for 16 hours every day.”
So when we say “to fast”, we’re usually talking about the verb. When we say “too fast”, we’re talking about speed, intensity, or excess.
When “To Fast” is Correct
“To fast” is correct when using the infinitive form of the verb fast, which means to abstain from food.
Examples:
- “I plan to fast tomorrow for 16 hours.”
- “They decided to fast before the religious ceremony.”
- “Doctors recommend to fast before certain blood tests.”
Case Study: Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has become a popular health trend, and using “to fast” correctly is crucial in guides or blogs. For instance:
Correct: “Many people choose to fast for 16 hours daily to improve metabolism.”
Incorrect: “Many people choose too fast for 16 hours daily.”
Notice how a simple too changes the meaning and makes the sentence confusing.
When “Too Fast” is Correct
“Too fast” is used when something exceeds the normal speed, intensity, or limit.
Examples:
- “He drove too fast and got a speeding ticket.”
- “The cake cooked too fast because the oven was too hot.”
- “She typed too fast and made several mistakes.”
Real-World Application: Traffic Laws
Driving too fast is not just a grammar mistake—it’s dangerous. Traffic fines and accidents often happen when drivers go too fast. Here, too fast clearly communicates excessive speed, which is the only correct choice.
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
Even native speakers mix these up. Here’s why:
- Confusing the infinitive verb “to fast” with the adverbial phrase “too fast.”
- Using fast as a verb without “to”:
- ❌ “I want fast tomorrow.”
- ✅ “I want to fast tomorrow.”
- Confusing “too” for “also”:
- ❌ “I am going too fast for 16 hours.”
- ✅ “I am going to fast for 16 hours.”
Quick Fix: Always check if the sentence is about action or excess.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
- Mnemonic Trick:
- To = action → think going to do something.
- Too = excess → think more than needed.
- Read Out Loud:
- You’ll often hear if something sounds off.
- Use Tools:
- Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or a simple dictionary check.
- Proofread for Context:
- Ask: “Am I talking about speed/excess or an action?”
Visual Comparison: “To Fast” vs “Too Fast”
| Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| To fast | Infinitive verb (abstain from food) | “I plan to fast tomorrow.” | “I will too fast tomorrow.” |
| Too fast | Excessive speed or intensity | “He ate too fast.” | “He decided to fast too much.” |
Advanced Usage: Both in One Sentence
Sometimes to fast and too fast appear together. You need careful placement:
Examples:
- “I want to fast, but not too fast.”
- “She decided to fast, although she didn’t want to eat too fast later.”
Notice how the sentence communicates intent and caution clearly.
Related Confusing Words
Other words often get mixed with “to fast” and “too fast.”
- To / Too / Two
- Fast / Fasting
- Then / Than
Pro Tip: Keep a mini cheat sheet to avoid mistakes in writing or texting.
Mini Quiz for Practice
- Which is correct?
- “I plan to fast tomorrow.” ✅
- Which is correct?
- “He ran too fast in the race.” ✅
- Identify the error: “I will too fast tomorrow.” ❌ Correct: to fast
- Fill in the blank: “The teacher spoke _______ quickly for everyone to understand.” → too fast
- True or False: “To fast” is used to describe excessive speed. ❌ False
FAQs
When should I use “to fast” and “too fast”?
Use to fast for the action of abstaining from food. Use too fast to describe excessive speed or intensity.
Can “fast” be a verb?
Yes, “fast” can mean to abstain from food. Example: “I fast every Monday.”
How do I avoid mixing these in writing?
Check context: action vs. excess. Mnemonics and reading out loud help.
Is “I love you too” similar in structure?
Yes, “too” shows addition here. It’s not an infinitive verb like “to fast.”
Can “too fast” apply to things other than speed?
Absolutely. It can refer to any excess, like eating, speaking, or cooking too quickly.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between to fast and too fast isn’t just grammar pedantry—it improves clarity, professionalism, and confidence in your writing. Remember:
- To fast = action/infinitive verb
- Too fast = excess/adverb
- Use mnemonic tricks, read aloud, and proofread carefully.
With practice, spotting the difference will become second nature. Next time you write, you’ll never confuse to fast with too fast again.
Hi! I’m Sami, a 28-year-old content writer with a love for words and storytelling. Writing has always been my way of expressing ideas, sharing knowledge, and connecting with people. I enjoy creating engaging and well-researched content—whether it’s blogs, articles, or social media posts—that not only informs but also inspires readers. My goal is to turn complex ideas into clear, creative, and meaningful pieces of writing that leave a lasting impact.
