Enough, too, very, so, and such

Too and enough indicate degree. They are used with adjectives.

The teacher fills a cup with water until it overflows. “Oh no,” the students shout, “it’s too much!”
The teacher fills a cup with water to the top. “Enough!” shout the students.

Too – means more than what is needed. We use it to express a negative opinion.
It’s too hot = It is very hot, and I don’t like it.

I am too important to talk to you.
This problem is too difficult to solve.
The ocean was too rough to surf.
You move too fast.
Samantha speaks too loudly.

Too much” is used before uncountable nouns.
I took too much joy in seeing him miserable.
I drank too much beer last night.

Too many” is used before countable nouns.
There are not too many bicycles outside the school today.
I have too many things to do today.

Enough – means sufficient, you have what you need.

We have enough food for everyone.
We don’t have enough seats for all the students. It’s terrible!
They aren’t old enough to get married.
I am not tall enough to reach the basketball hoop.

So – means very when it is an adverb.
It’s so hot!
So is generally used before an adjective or an adverb for emphasis.
He is so funny! He plays the drums so well!
It was so hot that I could not sleep.

People from your generation use “so” before nouns and verbs.
“That dress is so last year!”

**Do NOT confuse the adverb “so” with the conjunction “so”- one of the f.a.n.b.o.y.s. that is used to show the result or effect of something.

I was tired, so I went to bed early. It is WRONG to say – I was tired, so that I went to bed early.
“So that” is used to explain the reasoning or intention behind something.
I moved to Parma so that I could attend the university.
“I moved to Parma so I could attend the university,” is also correct. The “that” in “so that” is optional.

Such – also means very, but you cannot use it the same way that you use “so.”
Such must be followed by a noun or an adjective and a noun.

That is such a great idea!
It was such a beautiful day that we decided to go to the sea.

Common mistakes
Some students use “too” with a positive meaning, but it always has a negative meaning. Do not say, “It’s too cold! I adore winter time.” Say, “It’s so/very cold. I love winter!”
Some students put “enough” after the noun, instead of before it. Do not ask, “Do we have time enough?” Ask, “Do we have enough time?”
Some students forget that unlike “so,” “such” needs to be followed with a noun. Do not say, He is such handsome! Say, “He is such a handsome guy.”