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I'm confused. You couldn't find the word "too" in a dictionary? That doesn't seem possible.
Generally "too" is a synonym for "also" in addition to its role as marking excess.
In informal contexts, you will hear both "too" and "also" in negative sentences where "neither" or "either" might appear in more formal contexts.
E.g.
I won't buy this shirt: It's too (excessively) expensive, and it doesn't fit, too (also)!
Glenn said
I won't buy this shirt: It's too (excessively) expensive, and it doesn't fit, too (also)!
I'm not yet ready to doubt that "too"can be used in negative sentences because I haven't thought about it long enough, but your example here doesn't sound right, even informally. Also, I can think of several negative sentences in which "too" would be totally out of place. e.g. "This dog does not belong to my neighbor and it doesn't belong to me, too." I have never heard a rule that "too" can not be used in a negative sentence but it seems like a good rule in general, probably with exceptions.
Glenn's example seems to point to something else he didn't say: 'too' might just be for firming up the underlying intent, in which case all the rules about verb polarities are out the window:
This shirt will please my wife, who has expensive taste:
It is expensive, and it fits, too
This shirt is just vintage brother of mine, a fashion fool who also likes to waste money:
It is expensive, and it does not fit, too
This shirt is good for me:
It is not expensive, and it fits, too.
This shirt I give to my mother-in-law specifically to drive her crazy:
It is not expensive, and it does not fit, too
No?
I agree with the naysayers. There are many, many contexts in which you cannot use "too" in negative sentences.
After all how different are these?
Chris and Leslie got the flu. Chris missed school. Pat missed school, too.
Pat and Lin got the measles. Pat didn't go to school. Also Lin didn't go to school.
Leslie and Glenn got mono. Leslie didn't go to class. Glenn didn't go to class, too.
Let me say that you will always improve a negative sentence if you make a more thoughtful choice: either, neither, besides, furthermore are some usual substitutes.
Glenn said
I'm confused. You couldn't find the word "too" in a dictionary? That doesn't seem possible.
I meant I found no explanation on its usage.
RobertB said
Glenn's example seems to point to something else he didn't say: 'too' might just be for firming up the underlying intent, in which case all the rules about verb polarities are out the window:
This shirt will please my wife, who has expensive taste:
It is expensive, and it fits, too
...
This shirt I give to my mother-in-law specifically to drive her crazy:
It is not expensive, and it does not fit, too
No?
No one answered him, or I couldn't figure out anything!
Here is a definition from Merriam-Webster free online dictionary listing three uses. The third has not been mentioned in this discussion, yet.
Definition of too:
2a : to an excessive degree : excessively <too large a house for us>b : to such a degree as to be regrettable <this time he has gone too far>
c : very <didn't seem too interested>
3: so 2d <“I didn't do it.†“You did too.â€>
Robert, you are right about opposing thoughts, your intention does make a difference. I addressed that with this sentence:
from Robert: "It is not expensive, and it fits, too." Same as above. Join with "but" and leave off "too." This could be good if you view "not expensive" as a positive. "Inexpensive" might show your intention better.
"It is expensive, and it does not fit, too." and "It is not expensive, and it does not fit, too."
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
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