Episode 123 – Comma Before “Too”?

The comma—such a tiny mark, yet so often misunderstood!

Today, we’re tackling a viewer’s question about whether a comma is needed before too at the end of a sentence. What do you think—needed or not needed?

If you guessed no, you’re right!

While old-school grammar rules may have taught otherwise, modern style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style, say it’s unnecessary. But even Grammarly isn’t always confident about this rule!

However, when too appears in the middle of a sentence for emphasis, it should be set off with commas.

Do you still use a comma before too? What other problems do commas cause you in your writing? Tell us about it in the comments below.

But whether you’re an expert comma user or not, remember, The only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!

Until next time, happy writing!

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Julie Folkerts
2 months ago

Working for attorneys for over twenty-five years, my comma usage also runs with the Oxford, which has been hard to break.

David Godin
2 months ago

If we fight over commas, will it be commageddon?
I use a comma before too also, and also use the Oxford comma, like any civilized person would.
But I am also guilty of using too many commas. I sprinkle them on my sentences like pepper on scrambled eggs.

Connie Morrison
2 months ago

Yes, I, too, am old school and use the comma before “too” every time. Thanks for shedding a new light on that. 🙂

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