2

What Does 2 Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

When used in a text, 2 means "to" or "too."

More Observations...

The number "two" and the words "to" and "too" are homonyms (i.e., words that sound the same with different meanings). There are two types of homonyms: homophones and homographs. As "two," "too," and "to" are spelled differently, they are homophones (same sound) rather than homographs (same spelling). Here are some other examples:

• The words "pike" (the fish) and "pike" (the medieval weapon) are homophones and homographs.
• The words "four" and "for" (often written as 4 in texting) are homophones but not homographs.
• The words "wind" (the blowy weather) and "wind" (to turn) are homographs but not homophones.

Image for 2

When I write 2, I mean this:

"To" or "too"

Summary of Key Points

"To" is the most common meaning for 2 when it is used in a text. It is closely followed by "too" (which means "as well" or "overly").

2
Definition:	To or Too
Type:	Numeronym
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of 2 in Sentences

Here are examples of "2" in conversations:

• Tom: Let's go 2 Spain!
• Sam: I'm 2 fat at the moment.
(In the first sentence, "2" means "to." In the second, it means "too.")

An Academic Look at 2

When "2" means "to," it is being used as a preposition or the sign of the infinitive. For example:

• Let's go to 2 Nando's. My body needs 2 eat chicken.
(In the first sentence, "2" is the preposition "to." In the second, it is the sign of the infinitive in the verb "to eat.")

When "2" means "too," it is being used as an adverb. For example:

• I was there 2. You are 2 slow, mate.
(In the first sentence, "2" means "as well." In the second, it has a meaning like "overly." In both cases, "2" is an adverb.)

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of 2 Used in a Text

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