🎯 TOEIC Trap: Enough vs Too

Why “too tired to go” and “tired enough to quit” mean completely different things — and how TOEIC turns this into a trick question.

How Two Small Words Flip the Meaning

On TOEIC, enough and too look simple — but they point in opposite directions. Under time pressure, it’s easy to choose the one that “feels” right and lose the point.

1️⃣ The Core Logic

  • Enough → The situation works. Sufficient, acceptable, possible.

  • Too → The situation doesn’t work. Excessive, a problem, or blocked.

Example:

  • “Fit enough to climb” = Can climb.

  • “Too tired to climb” = Can’t climb.

2️⃣ TOEIC’s Favourite Traps

Trap 1 — Skill Level Logic
The assistant wasn’t experienced ___ to take over the meeting.
(A) too
(B) very
(C) enough
(D) much
✅ Answer: (C) enough — Sufficient skill to do it. “Too experienced” would mean overqualified, which changes the meaning.

Trap 2 — Blocked by “Too”
This printer is ___ old to be repaired again.
(A) very
(B) enough
(C) too
(D) such
✅ Answer: (C) too — Condition stops it from being fixed.

Trap 3 — Noun Quantity
There weren’t ___ chairs for everyone at the event.
(A) too
(B) much
(C) very
(D) enough
✅ Answer: (D) enough — The required amount.

Trap 4 — Listening Situation
A: Did we leave on time?
B: Yeah, we left early enough.

  • “Early enough” = Safe, on time.

  • “Too late” = Missed it.

3️⃣ Key Patterns to Memorize

  • Too + adjective + to [verb] → Can’t do it.

    • too tired to drive

    • too expensive to buy

  • [Adjective] + enough + to [verb] → Can do it.

    • calm enough to speak

    • strong enough to lift

  • Too much / too many + noun → Excessive (negative).

    • too much sugar

    • too many complaints

  • Enough + noun → Sufficient (positive).

    • enough time

    • enough people

4️⃣ TOEIC-Style Practice

Q1. The flight was delayed because there weren’t ___ staff on duty.
(A) too
(B) many
(C) enough
(D) much
✅ Answer: (C) enough — Sufficient staff was missing.

Q2. She’s ___ shy to speak in front of a large group.
(A) enough
(B) very
(C) too
(D) rather
✅ Answer: (C) too — Shyness blocks her from speaking.

Q3. They didn’t finish on time — there were just ___ tasks to complete.
(A) enough
(B) too many
(C) much
(D) very
✅ Answer: (B) too many — Excessive number caused the delay.

Q4. Is the system fast ___ to handle that many users?
(A) so
(B) enough
(C) too
(D) rather
✅ Answer: (B) enough — Sufficient speed to work.

📌 Strategy / Takeaway

  1. Ask: Does the situation work? → enough.

  2. Ask: Is the situation blocked or excessive? → too.

  3. Picture the outcome — TOEIC tests the result, not just the word.

Golden Rule:

Enough = works ✅
Too = doesn’t work ❌

Final Word

TOEIC hides this trap in plain, simple sentences when you’re tired and rushing. Train your reflex until the meaning clicks instantly — then move on and keep your points.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC logic-word traps, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in “enough/too” confidence today.

✅ 20 TOEIC Trap FAQs: Enough vs Too Q: What’s the difference between “enough” and “too”? A: “Enough” means something is OK or works. “Too” means it’s a problem or doesn’t work. Q: What does “too tired to work” mean? A: It means you cannot work because you're very tired. It’s a problem. Q: What does “tired enough to sleep” mean? A: It means you are ready to sleep. You can sleep. Q: How do I know when to use “too”? A: Use “too” when something is a problem or blocks an action. Q: When do I use “enough”? A: Use “enough” when something is OK or possible. Q: What does “too late” mean on the TOEIC test? A: It means the time is past. You missed the chance. Q: What does “early enough” mean in listening questions? A: It means they were on time. No problem. Q: Can “too” be a good thing? A: Usually no. “Too” often shows a problem in TOEIC. Q: What’s the meaning of “too many emails”? A: It means there are more emails than you want. It's a problem. Q: What does “enough people” mean? A: It means the number of people is OK. You don’t need more. Q: Which is correct: “too strong” or “strong enough”? A: Both can be correct. “Too strong” is a problem. “Strong enough” means it’s OK. Q: I saw “too fast to stop” — what does it mean? A: It means the speed is a problem. They can’t stop. Q: I saw “fast enough to win” — what does that mean? A: It means the speed is good. They can win. Q: Can “enough” come before a noun? A: Yes. Example: “enough time,” “enough money.” Q: Can “enough” come after an adjective? A: Yes. Example: “strong enough,” “old enough.” Q: Can “too” come before a noun? A: Yes, but only with “too much” or “too many.” Example: “too much noise,” “too many people.” Q: What does “not enough” mean? A: It means there is less than needed. It’s a problem. Q: What does “just enough” mean? A: It means the amount is OK, but only barely. Q: Is “too much” always negative? A: Yes. “Too much” usually means it’s a problem. Q: What if both “too” and “enough” look OK? A: Ask yourself — is it a problem or is it working? That tells you which to pick.
A colour photograph of a mature Japanese woman sitting at her desk studying for the TOEIC Test. She looks tired but is trying to study.