Either vs. Too — What's the Difference?

Either is primarily used to express a choice or distinction between two alternatives. For instance, one might say, "You can either have tea or coffee." This usage emphasizes exclusivity within a given set of options. On the other hand, too is used to modify adjectives or adverbs, suggesting an excess or a degree beyond what is desirable, necessary, or allowed. For example, saying, "This coffee is too hot," implies that the temperature is higher than what would be considered comfortable or safe.

In some contexts, either can also imply any one of the two options without preference, such as in "Either option works for me," which conveys a lack of strong preference between two choices. Conversely, too can be used to indicate also or in addition, as in "I would like some coffee too," where it adds another item or preference to an existing list.

Either can function as a conjunction, determiner, or pronoun, adapting to various parts of speech to convey choice or selection. This flexibility allows it to be used in multiple syntactic positions. Whereas, too is an adverb that primarily modifies adjectives, adverbs, and sometimes verbs, focusing on the aspect of addition or excess.

Grammatically, either is often paired with "or" to form correlative conjunctions, structuring sentences that emphasize a choice between distinctly presented alternatives. This pairing is crucial for clarifying that the options are mutually exclusive. In contrast, too does not typically require a specific pairing but can be prefaced by "also" to enhance clarity or emphasis, as in "She is also too tired to continue."

In negative contexts, either is used to denote a lack of difference in preference or outcome between two negative alternatives, such as in "I don't like either option." Here, it highlights an equal disfavor towards both choices. Too, however, when used in negative contexts, often amplifies the negative attribute being discussed, such as in "It's too cold to swim," emphasizing that the conditions exceed what would be necessary to engage in the activity comfortably.