Is Someone ‘Easy to Talk To’ or ‘Easy to Talk Too’?

There is often confusion regarding the correct phrase to use when describing a person's ease of conversation. The correct phrase is “easy to talk to.” It is important to note that its homonym, “too,” has completely different meanings and should not be used interchangeably in this context.

Understanding the Difference

The term “too” can mean:
- Also
- As well as
- In addition to

The Importance of Context

When deciding whether to use “to” or “too,” the context is crucial. Modifying the verb “talk” with a preposition and the object of that preposition can help you determine the correct usage. For example:

1. Working is hard
- It’s hard to work.
- Working steel is hard.
- Steel is hard to work.

2. Talking to Frank is easy
- It’s easy to talk to Frank.
- Frank is easy to talk to.

Using Inverted Structures

In English, there are certain inverted structures, such as:

Standard order: Working steel is hard.
Inverted structure: Steel is hard to work.

The same principle applies to conversation:

Standard order: Talking to Frank is easy.
Inverted structure: Frank is easy to talk to.

This inverted structure can be challenging, as “to” appears twice in the sentence, once as part of the infinitive “to talk” and once as a preposition with the object “Frank.”

Practical Examples

Let’s test the usage with a simple sentence:

To: working steel is hard.
Too: working steel is hard..

Using the synonyms, it becomes clear:

Standard (correct): Frank is easy to talk to.
Incorrect: Frank is easy to talk too.

Safeguarding Correct Usage

To avoid confusion, always:

1. Use 'To' to indicate the recipient of the action

e.g., “He was coming to the concert too.”

2. Use 'Too' to denote addition or also

e.g., “The house was too far to walk to.”

3. Ensure clarity in your sentences

“Safe and healthy I hope,” and always ensure your intended meaning is clear.

Key Takeaways:

The correct phrase is “easy to talk to.” 'Too' means 'also' and shouldn’t be confused with 'to' in this context. Context and inverted structures can help in understanding which phrase to use.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain clear and effective communication in your conversations and writing.