“Too Much” vs “Much Too”: correct usage

English tip # 2: “Too much” vs “much too”

Sometimes, words or phrases like “too much” and “much too” sound very familiar. As a matter of fact, they are so familiar that you use them without even thinking about them. Also, when someone else uses them, you do not feel you need to pay attention to them.

What is the difference?

Let’s look at these examples:

1- Mary bought a watch. It is too much expensive.

vs

2- Mary bought a watch. It is much too expensive

Which one would you use? Does the first one sound more familiar?

The first sentence is not usually used and is wrong. The second sentence is definitely correct.

What is the reason?

“Much” is a determiner and is used to talk about the amount of something. It can be used before uncountable nouns. This is the usage you have seen often. Look at this example:

There is not much pollution in the countryside.

(MUCH + UNCOUNTABLE NOUN)

But as an adverb, if you want to use it with an adjective, it must be with the comparative form of an adjective (although it is sometimes used with the base form of some certain adjectives). Look at this example:

This watch is much more expensive than the other. (not much expensive)

(MUCH + COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVE)

CN tower is much taller than the Empire State Building. (not much tall)

(MUCH +COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVE)

Make sure you use “too much” vs “much too” in a correct way. If you are no sure, use a reliable dictionary such as Oxford Learner’s Dictionary that provides additional information.

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